sou2 baak6 laam5數白欖数白榄
Jyutpingsou2 baak6 laam5
Yalesóu baahk láahm
Definition
To perform rhythmic and rhyming speech-like verses, similar to rapping, typically accompanied by percussion.
colloquialother
How it's used
Originally a traditional folk art form, the term has evolved to describe any rapid, rhythmic, or repetitive speech pattern. It is often used metaphorically to describe someone complaining or rambling on at length in a monotonous or predictable way. The imagery of the wooden percussion instrument remains central to the cultural understanding of the term.
Examples
He delivered the rhythmic verses on stage very fluently.
Related words
Common phrases
a performance of rhythmic verses
to rattle off verses fluently
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with modern rap music, even though it shares rhythmic similarities. Using it to describe a professional hip hop performance might sound dismissive or culturally mismatched.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
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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.
