oi1 hou4哀號哀号
Jyutpingoi1 hou4
Yaleōi hòuh
Definition
To wail and cry out in sorrow or grief.
neutralemotionpeople
How it's used
Describes a sound that is both loud and deeply sorrowful, often implying a sense of helplessness or profound grief. It is frequently used to describe the cries of animals or people in extreme distress, rather than just simple crying or sobbing. The term carries a heavy, dramatic weight that makes it unsuitable for minor inconveniences or lighthearted complaints.
Examples
He is wailing in the room, it sounds very heartbreaking.
Why are you wailing here? What happened?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe everyday crying or whining, as it implies a level of intensity and anguish that is quite severe. Using it for trivial matters can sound overly theatrical or sarcastic.
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.
