teng1 gwo3 gaak3 lei4聽過隔籬听过隔篱
Jyutpingteng1 gwo3 gaak3 lei4
Yaletēng gwo gaak lèih
Definition
To mishear; to hear something incorrectly.
colloquialcommunication
How it's used
Literal translation of this phrase is to hear the neighbor, which reflects the humorous idea that you heard something from the next room rather than what was actually said. It is a very common, slightly playful way to point out that someone has misunderstood a verbal instruction or statement. It carries a lighter tone than the more direct 聽錯.
Examples
Did you mishear me? I want tissue, not a spoon.
He speaks very softly, I always mishear him.
Related words
Common phrases
always mishearing things
Common mistake
Do not use this in formal or professional settings, as it is strictly colloquial and can sound too casual or dismissive when speaking to a superior.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
