ngaa4 han4牙痕
Jyutpingngaa4 han4
Yalengàh hàhn
Definition
To have an itch to eat something, or to have a strong urge to talk, gossip, or argue.
- to have a craving or appetite for a particular food
- slangto be talkative, chatty, or eager to argue or bicker
colloquialfoodcommunication
How it's used
Literal translation suggests itchy teeth, but it captures the physical sensation of craving a snack or the psychological urge to engage in idle chatter. It is frequently used to describe someone who cannot sit still or stay quiet because they feel bored or restless. When referring to food, it implies a desire for something crunchy or flavorful rather than a full meal.
Examples
Are you feeling peckish and want to eat some snacks?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with physical dental issues or actual gum pain, as the term is strictly metaphorical for cravings or talkativeness. It is not used to describe serious hunger.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.



