nim6 hau2 wong4唸口黃唸口黄
Jyutpingnim6 hau2 wong4
Yalenihm háu wòhng
Definition
To recite a text from memory without understanding its meaning.
colloquialschoolcommunication
How it's used
This expression specifically targets the act of reciting text mechanically, often implying a lack of genuine comprehension or emotional engagement. It is frequently used to criticize students or speakers who prioritize memorization over actual understanding. The term carries a slightly dismissive tone, suggesting that the speaker is merely producing sound without internalizing the message.
Examples
Don't just recite things dully, you need to understand the content.
He is always reciting things by rote, he has no idea what he is saying.
Related words
Common phrases
only know how to recite by rote
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply reading aloud, which is 讀出嚟. 唸口黃 carries a negative connotation of being mindless or robotic, whereas reading aloud is a neutral action.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
