mi1 mi1 mo1 mo1咪咪嚒嚒
Jyutpingmi1 mi1 mo1 mo1
Yalemī mī mō mō
Definition
To dawdle, hesitate, or be extremely slow in doing something.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This reduplicated phrase captures the frustration of watching someone move or act without urgency. It is almost exclusively used to criticize someone for being inefficient or indecisive, often implying that their lack of speed is annoying or unnecessary. It carries a stronger sense of irritation than simply saying someone is slow.
Examples
You are being so slow with your work, hurry up!
He is always dawdling, making everyone wait for a long time.
Related words
Common phrases
to be slow at work
to walk very slowly
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the term 咪咪, which is a colloquial way to refer to a cat or, in some contexts, a child's term for breasts. The reduplicated form 咪咪嚒嚒 is strictly an adjective describing sluggish behavior.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
