zou6 daai6 hei3做大戲做大戏
Jyutpingzou6 daai6 hei3
Yalejouh daaih hei
Definition
To perform in Cantonese opera.
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
Beyond the literal meaning of performing Cantonese opera, this phrase is frequently used metaphorically to describe someone who is being overly dramatic or putting on a fake display of emotion. It implies that the person is acting for an audience rather than being genuine. You will often hear it used to call out someone who is making a scene or exaggerating a situation to get attention.
Examples
He loved performing Cantonese opera when he was a child.
Are you trying to put on a show for people to watch?
Related words
Common phrases
like putting on a show (dramatic)
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe acting in a movie or a play, as those are referred to as 拍戲 or 演戲. Using 做大戲 for a regular theatrical performance sounds unnatural and specifically invokes the traditional opera context.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
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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.
