ngam4 ngam4 cam4 cam4吟吟沉沉
Jyutpingngam4 ngam4 cam4 cam4
Yalengàhm ngàhm chàhm chàhm
Definition
To mutter, mumble, or drone on in a low, annoying voice.
colloquialpeoplecommunication
How it's used
Describes a specific type of repetitive, low-volume grumbling or complaining that is often directed at no one in particular. It carries a strong sense of irritation because the speaker is perceived as wasting time or creating a negative atmosphere. Unlike standard complaining, this implies a continuous, monotonous drone that wears down the listener's patience.
Examples
He is droning on and on, it is really annoying.
Can you please stop nagging me?
Related words
Common phrases
to be in the middle of nagging
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 投訴, which refers to a formal or direct complaint about a specific issue. 吟吟沉沉 is strictly about the manner of speaking—the persistent, annoying, and often incoherent nature of the grumbling.
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.
