nau2 gai2扭計扭计
Jyutpingnau2 gai2
Yalenáu gái
Definition
To throw a tantrum, fuss, or coo (usually of children) to get what they want.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
Primarily used to describe children who are being difficult or demanding to get their way. While it specifically refers to behavior, it carries a sense of annoyance from the observer, implying the person is being unreasonable or manipulative. It can occasionally be applied to adults in a humorous or derogatory way to suggest they are acting like a petulant child.
Examples
The kid is throwing a tantrum again and refuses to eat.
Why are you being difficult and throwing a tantrum again?
Related words
Common phrases
to throw a tantrum to get something bought
always throwing tantrums
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with general anger or crying. It specifically implies a strategic or demanding element where the person is trying to force someone else to give them what they want.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
