soeng1 gwaan1雙關双关
Jyutpingsoeng1 gwaan1
Yalesēung gwāan
Definition
Pun; a double entendre or wordplay that uses homophones or metaphors to express an additional meaning.
colloquialcommunication
How it's used
Focus on the cleverness or hidden intent behind the words rather than just the linguistic structure. It is frequently used to describe someone being sarcastic or teasing by saying something that sounds innocent on the surface but carries a deeper, often mocking, meaning.
Examples
He often speaks with double meanings, making him hard to figure out.
Related words
Common phrases
to speak with a double entendre
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with simple jokes or sarcasm. Remember that it specifically requires the utterance to have two distinct layers of meaning, usually relying on homophones or metaphors.
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.
