taam4 tou3談吐谈吐
Jyutpingtaam4 tou3
Yaletàahm tou
Definition
Style of speech, including attitude and choice of words.
neutralpeoplecommunication
How it's used
Focuses specifically on the impression one leaves through verbal interaction rather than just the content of what is said. It evaluates the elegance, confidence, and appropriateness of a person's communication style. It is often used to compliment someone's social grace or to judge their background and upbringing.
Examples
His way of speaking is very graceful; you can tell he is educated just by looking at him.
What do you think of this person's way of speaking?
Related words
Common phrases
graceful and confident in speech
having an extraordinary or impressive way of speaking
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 講嘢, which simply means the act of speaking. 談吐 implies a qualitative assessment of how someone carries themselves during conversation.
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.
