nau1 hou2 ding6 siu3 hou2嬲好定笑好
Jyutpingnau1 hou2 ding6 siu3 hou2
Yalenāu hóu dihng siu hóu
Definition
To not know whether to laugh or cry; to be stuck between anger and amusement.
colloquialemotion
How it's used
This phrase captures the specific feeling of being caught in an absurd or ironic situation where neither anger nor laughter feels entirely appropriate. It functions as a rhetorical question used to express bewilderment or disbelief at someone's behavior. Unlike a simple statement of emotion, it highlights the internal conflict of the speaker when faced with something ridiculous.
Examples
I don't know whether to be angry or laugh that he actually gave me this gift.
Seeing him explain it like that, do you feel like you should be angry or laugh?
Related words
Common phrases
really don't know whether to be angry or laugh
Common mistake
Do not use this phrase to describe genuine sadness or grief. It is strictly reserved for situations involving irony, absurdity, or incompetence where the speaker is struggling to process the humor versus the frustration of the event.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
