wu1 haa5 wu1 haa5烏吓烏吓乌吓乌吓
Jyutpingwu1 haa5 wu1 haa5
Yalewū háh wū háh
Definition
Disoriented, dazed, or unable to concentrate, typically due to fatigue or lack of sleep.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This reduplicated phrase captures the specific feeling of being mentally absent or physically sluggish, often appearing as if one is in a daze. It is frequently used to describe someone who is physically present but mentally elsewhere, usually because they are exhausted or just woke up. The repetition of the character 烏 emphasizes the lack of focus and the hazy, unfocused state of the person.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with being genuinely stupid or unintelligent. It describes a temporary state of being dazed or distracted, not a permanent lack of cognitive ability.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
