zaau1啁
Jyutpingzaau1
Yalejāau
Definition
To chirp or twitter, as of birds.
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How it's used
This character is primarily used to describe the specific high pitched sound made by small birds. It is almost always reduplicated as 啁啁 to mimic the repetitive nature of the sound. It is a descriptive, onomatopoeic term rather than a standard verb for bird vocalization.
Examples
The birds outside the window are chirping.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 嘈, which refers to general loud noise or disturbance. While 啁啁 describes a pleasant or natural sound, 嘈 carries a negative connotation of being annoying or disruptive.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
