zaau1 zaau1啁啁
Jyutpingzaau1 zaau1
Yalejāau jāau
Definition
To chirp, warble, or make bird sounds.
colloquialanimalsnature
How it's used
This onomatopoeic term specifically mimics the high pitched, repetitive sounds made by small birds. It is almost exclusively used in descriptive contexts rather than as a formal verb. When describing the sound, it is common to pair it with 叫 or 聲 to clarify that it refers to the auditory experience.
Examples
The birds are chirping up in the tree.
Related words
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.
