zaa3 ngong6詐戇诈戆
Jyutpingzaa3 ngong6
Yaleja ngohng
Definition
To act stupid or play dumb.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Often used when someone is feigning ignorance to avoid responsibility or to get out of an awkward situation. It carries a slightly accusatory tone, implying that the person is actually quite sharp but is choosing to pretend otherwise. It is frequently paired with other verbs like 扮傻 to emphasize the act of deception.
Examples
Don't you go playing dumb here.
He clearly knows what happened, but he's playing dumb.
Related words
Common phrases
to play dumb and act foolish
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply being stupid, as it specifically refers to a deliberate performance. Using it to describe someone who is genuinely slow or unintelligent is offensive and incorrect.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
