zaa3 haam3詐喊诈喊
Jyutpingzaa3 haam3
Yaleja haam
Definition
To pretend to cry.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
This term is almost exclusively used to describe children or someone acting childishly to manipulate others. It carries a slightly dismissive tone, implying that the observer sees right through the performance. It is rarely used to describe genuine emotional distress.
Examples
Kids love to pretend to cry to trick people into giving them candy.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 喊, which is the neutral verb for crying. Using 詐喊 for someone who is actually upset will sound very insensitive or mocking.
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.
