paa3 paa3怕怕
Jyutpingpaa3 paa3
Yalepa pa
Definition
To fear or be too scared to face something.
colloquialemotion
How it's used
This term is a reduplicated form that carries a playful, childish, or exaggerated tone. It is frequently used to express mock fear or to tease someone for being timid rather than to describe genuine, life-threatening terror. Adults often use it when reacting to minor inconveniences or cute situations to sound softer or more expressive.
Examples
I saw a big cockroach, I'm really scared.
Are you scared to go on the roller coaster?
Related words
Common phrases
very scared
Common mistake
Do not use this in serious or professional contexts, such as describing a real phobia or a dangerous situation, as it will sound dismissive or childish. Stick to 驚 or 害怕 for formal or neutral descriptions of fear.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
