soeng1 aai3 m4 hou2 hau2相嗌唔好口
Jyutpingsoeng1 aai3 m4 hou2 hau2
Yalesēung aai m̀h hóu háu
Definition
A saying used to urge people to stop arguing, meaning that quarreling brings no benefit to either party.
colloquialpeoplecommunication
How it's used
This idiomatic expression serves as a gentle, rhythmic intervention to deescalate a heated argument. It highlights the futility of verbal abuse by suggesting that aggressive speech only degrades the situation for everyone involved. It is frequently paired with the second half of the proverb, 相打唔好手, to emphasize that both verbal and physical aggression are equally counterproductive.
Examples
Fighting with words is bad, let's all calm down first.
You two should stop arguing, whatever it is, talk it out calmly.
Related words
Common phrases
Don't fight with words, don't fight with hands.
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal description of a sore throat or a physical ailment, but it is strictly a social proverb used to mediate conflict. It is not a medical term and should only be used in the context of interpersonal disputes.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
