verb / adjective HSK 5
Traditional 嘮叨
láo dao
to nag · to chatter on · to talk on and on · long-winded

Meaning

唠叨 describes repetitive, often unnecessary talking, typically about the same topic or concerns. It commonly refers to nagging or going on about something in a way that others find tiresome. The word can be used as a verb (to nag) or as an adjective (nagging, long-winded).

Usage

This word often carries a mildly negative or annoyed tone. It's frequently used to describe parents nagging their children, or anyone who talks excessively about trivial matters. Common in spoken language and informal contexts. When used as an adjective, it describes someone's speaking style as repetitive and tiresome.

Examples

  1. 01
    我妈妈总是唠叨我要多穿点衣服。
    māma zǒng shì láo dao yào duō chuān diǎn yīfu.
    My mom is always nagging me to wear more clothes.
  2. 02
    唠叨了,我知道该怎么做。
    Bié láo dao le, zhīdào gāi zěnme zuò.
    Stop nagging, I know what to do.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 唠叨个没完
    láo dao méi wán
    to nag endlessly
  • 唠叨
    ài láo dao
    to love nagging / be prone to nagging
  • 唠叨几句
    láo dao
    to nag a few words

Antonyms

Origin

Both characters relate to excessive talking. 唠 contains the mouth radical 口, while 叨 also contains 口 and is associated with chattering. Together they form a compound emphasizing repetitive, verbose speech.

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