taap3 taap3 sing1嗒嗒聲嗒嗒声
Jyutpingtaap3 taap3 sing1
Yaletaap taap sīng
Definition
Ticking sound, such as the sound of a clock or footsteps.
colloquialtimedescriptions
How it's used
This is an onomatopoeic term specifically used to mimic the rhythmic sound of a clock or a similar mechanical device. It functions as a descriptive phrase rather than a formal verb, often appearing in sentences to emphasize the annoyance or presence of the sound. It is rarely used for other types of clicking sounds, which are usually described with different onomatopoeia.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
the ticking of the clock
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the verb 嗒, which means to suck or savor something, such as 嗒糖. The reduplicated form is strictly reserved for the repetitive ticking sound.
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.
