tan1 tan1 tou3 tou3吞吞吐吐
Jyutpingtan1 tan1 tou3 tou3
Yaletān tān tou tou
Definition
To hesitate in speech; to speak haltingly and not speak straightforwardly.
colloquialcommunicationdescriptions
How it's used
This idiom describes someone who is struggling to express themselves clearly, often because they are nervous, guilty, or trying to hide a secret. It carries a sense of frustration for the listener who wants the speaker to get to the point. It is frequently used when someone is being evasive or lacks the confidence to speak their mind directly.
Examples
Just say it if you have something to say, don't hesitate.
He is speaking hesitantly, as if he is hiding something from me.
Related words
Common phrases
to speak hesitantly
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a physical inability to speak, but it is strictly about the psychological hesitation or reluctance to disclose information. It is not used for someone with a stutter or speech impediment.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Grammar guides
- 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.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
