saai1 hau2 seoi2嘥口水
Jyutpingsaai1 hau2 seoi2
Yalesāai háu séui
Definition
To waste one's breath or words; to waste time and energy trying to persuade or explain something to someone.
colloquialcommunicationdaily actions
How it's used
Focuses on the futility of communication when the listener is unwilling to change their mind or incapable of understanding. It carries a strong sense of frustration or resignation, often implying that the speaker has already tried to explain themselves to no avail. Use this when you want to emphasize that further discussion is pointless.
Examples
He doesn't listen to anyone at all, so no matter how much you say, it's just a waste of breath.
Trying to reason with him is a complete waste of breath, let's just forget it.
Related words
Common phrases
simply a waste of breath
don't want to waste my breath
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 嘥氣, which is a broader term for wasting effort or energy. While 嘥氣 can also refer to wasting breath, 嘥口水 specifically highlights the act of speaking or trying to persuade someone.
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.
