zyut6 hau2絕口绝口

Jyutpingzyut6 hau2

Yalejyuht háu

Definition

To praise endlessly, or to keep quiet about something.

to praise endlessly; to keep lauding
to stop speaking; to keep silent about something

colloquialcommunication

How it's used

Primarily functions as a component in idioms involving speech, such as 絕口不提 for refusing to mention something or 絕口稱讚 for constant praise. It emphasizes a firm, deliberate choice to either maintain absolute silence or provide non-stop commendation. Unlike simple verbs for speaking, it carries a sense of strong personal resolve or a fixed stance on a subject.

Examples

keoi5佢deoi3對le1呢gaan1間caan1餐teng1廳ge3嘅sik6食mat6物zyut6絕hau2口cing1稱zaan3讚。

He keeps praising the food at this restaurant endlessly.

nei5你zou6做me1咩deoi3對keoi5佢ge3嘅biu2表jin6現zyut6絕hau2口bat1不tai4提aa4呀？

Why do you keep silent about his performance?

Common phrases

zyut6絕hau2口bat1不tai4提

to refuse to mention something at all

zyut6絕hau2口cing1稱zaan3讚

to praise something endlessly

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a general verb meaning to speak, but it is strictly limited to contexts of either total silence or continuous praise. It cannot be used to describe ordinary conversation or casual talking.