唠叨

• Pinyin: láo dao
• Hanzi breakdown: 唠 = 口 (mouth) + 劳 (labor) — nag; 叨 = 口 (mouth) + 刀 (knife) — chatter

Meaning

To nag; to chatter; to go on and on. Talking repetitively about the same thing.

Usually describes annoying repetitive talk, often from elders expressing concern. Can be affectionate (母亲的唠叨) or negative (烦人的唠叨). The repetition is key to the meaning.

Examples

1. 妈妈总是唠叨让我多穿衣服。 Mom always nags me to wear more clothes.
2. 他一唠叨起来就没完没了。 Once he starts nagging, he goes on and on endlessly.
3. 虽然觉得唠叨，但我知道她是关心我。 Although I find it nagging, I know she cares about me.

Usage Guide

Context: family, daily life, complaints

Tone: mildly negative

Do Say

• 别唠叨了，我知道了。(Stop nagging — I got it.)
• 妈妈的唠叨其实是一种爱。(Mom's nagging is actually a form of love.)

Don't Say

• 用唠叨形容重要的正式发言。(唠叨 implies repetitive, often trivial talk — don't use for important speeches)

Origin & History

Onomatopoeic compound. 唠 and 叨 both contain 口 (mouth), mimicking the sound of continuous talk.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal