zi1 zi1 zam1 zam1吱吱斟斟
Jyutpingzi1 zi1 zam1 zam1
Yalejī jī jām jām
Definition
The sound of whispering or speaking in low, quiet voices.
colloquialcommunicationdaily actions
How it's used
This onomatopoeic expression captures the specific, often annoying sound of hushed, continuous chatter. It carries a slightly negative connotation, implying that the speakers are gossiping or being secretive in a way that excludes others. It is frequently used to describe students talking during class or colleagues whispering behind someone's back.
Examples
The two of them are whispering in the corner, I wonder what they are talking about.
Stop whispering to each other and pay attention to the lesson.
Related words
Common phrases
to be in the middle of whispering
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 斟茶, which refers to pouring tea. While both share the character 斟, the reduplicated form 吱吱斟斟 is strictly used for the sound of whispering, not for the act of pouring or discussing business matters.
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.
