zi2 hau4子喉
Jyutpingzi2 hau4
Yalejí hàuh
Definition
The soprano-like singing voice or style used by female roles in Cantonese opera.
colloquialpeople
How it's used
Refers specifically to the high-pitched, feminine vocal technique used by female roles in Cantonese opera. It is distinct from the deeper, more masculine 平喉 used by male leads. The term highlights the technical mastery required to maintain a delicate yet resonant quality throughout a performance.
Examples
Her performance of the high-pitched singing style is truly tasteful.
Do you think her high-pitched singing style sounds good?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with a general term for high-pitched voices in everyday speech, as it is a technical term strictly tied to the aesthetics of Cantonese opera.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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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.
