man6 coeng4 man6 dyun2問長問短问长问短
Jyutpingman6 coeng4 man6 dyun2
Yalemahn chèuhng mahn dyún
Definition
To ask detailed and thorough questions in an annoying, prying, or inquisitive way.
colloquialpeoplecommunication
How it's used
This idiom carries a negative connotation of being intrusive or overly inquisitive. It implies that the person asking questions is crossing a boundary, rather than just being curious or seeking information. It is frequently used to describe nosy relatives or colleagues who overstep their bounds.
Examples
Why are you always prying into everything?
He loves to ask endless questions, it is really annoying.
Related words
Common phrases
always asking prying questions
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is simply asking for clarification or being thorough in a professional or academic setting. It is specifically reserved for situations where the questioning feels like prying or pestering.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
