zang1 caau2爭吵争吵
Jyutpingzang1 caau2
Yalejāng cháau
Definition
To quarrel, argue, or dispute with someone.
neutralpeoplecommunication
How it's used
While 爭吵 is understood in Cantonese, it sounds significantly more formal and literary than the everyday term 鬧交. You will rarely hear native speakers use 爭吵 in casual conversation, as it carries a slightly detached or written tone. It is more likely to appear in news reports, formal writing, or when describing a serious, prolonged dispute rather than a simple argument.
Examples
Those two are always quarreling at home.
Is it worth quarreling over such a small thing?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use 爭吵 in casual social settings, as it sounds stiff and unnatural. Use 鬧交 for everyday disagreements between friends, family, or partners.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
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Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
