saan3 gaang1 lo4散更鑼散更锣
Jyutpingsaan3 gaang1 lo4
Yalesaan gāang lòh
Definition
To make a great deal of noise or cause a commotion, as if everyone needs to know.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Refers to the historical practice of night watchmen striking gongs to signal the end of the night. In modern speech, it is used metaphorically to describe someone who is excessively loud, disruptive, or insists on broadcasting private matters to everyone within earshot. It carries a slightly mocking tone, implying the person lacks discretion.
Examples
He is as loud as a night watchman's alarm.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe actual musical instruments or modern alarm clocks. It is strictly a figurative expression for noisy, attention-seeking behavior.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
