siu3 waa2笑話笑话
Jyutpingsiu3 waa2
Yalesiu wá
Definition
Joke, jest, or funny story.
colloquialpeoplecommunication
How it's used
Refers specifically to a structured story or anecdote intended to provoke laughter. When someone is just being playful or teasing without telling a formal story, Cantonese speakers prefer the verb phrase 講笑 rather than using this noun.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
The joke he told is really not funny at all.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 講笑, which functions as a verb meaning to joke or tease. Using 笑話 when you mean you are just joking will sound like you are claiming to be a comedian telling a prepared story.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
