m2嗯
Jyutpingm2
Yaleḿ
Definition
An interjection used to indicate uncertainty, confusion, or that one did not hear clearly.
colloquialcommunicationparticle
How it's used
Pronounced with a rising tone, this serves as a versatile filler for expressing confusion, mild surprise, or a request for repetition. It functions similarly to the English 'huh' or 'hmm' but carries a distinct Cantonese cadence that signals you are processing information or questioning the validity of what was just heard. It is strictly for casual, face-to-face interaction and should be avoided in formal or professional settings.
Examples
Huh? What did you just say?
Related words
Common phrases
m2嗯？
Huh?
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with the Mandarin affirmative '嗯' (en), which sounds flat or falling. In Cantonese, using it to mean 'yes' is unnatural; for agreement, use 係 or 係呀 instead.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
