ngaa4 zaam2 zaam2牙斬斬牙斩斩
Jyutpingngaa4 zaam2 zaam2
Yalengàh jáam jáam
Definition
Talkative and boastful but failing to deliver; all talk and no action.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This expression captures the specific annoyance of someone who boasts or makes empty promises without the ability to back them up. It is often used to call out someone who is overly confident or arrogant in their speech but lacks follow-through. The imagery suggests a mouth that is constantly moving or "chattering" without substance.
Examples
He is always talking big, but when it comes to doing the work, it's a total mess.
Related words
Common phrases
always talking big
still talking big
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is simply loud or talkative; it specifically implies a failure to deliver on promises or a lack of genuine capability.
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.
