zaai1 kap1齋噏斋噏
Jyutpingzaai1 kap1
Yalejāai kāp
Definition
To talk without taking action; empty talk or hollow promises.
colloquialdaily actionscommunication
How it's used
This term carries a dismissive tone, highlighting a lack of credibility or follow-through. It is frequently used to call out someone who makes big promises or offers advice but never puts in the effort to execute their own words. The character 齋 implies a state of being empty or purely one thing, emphasizing that the person is doing nothing but talking.
Examples
You are always just talking, when will you actually take action?
He is just all talk, he won't actually help you get it done.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply chatting or talking. It specifically implies a failure to act, so it is often used as a criticism rather than a neutral description of a conversation.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
