leh
Used to convey uncertaintyUsed to convey uncertainty (in response to inconsistent information).
Meaning
11 sensesUsed to convey uncertainty (in response to inconsistent information).
Pitch contour: mid [lɛ˧], (interrogative) high-mid [lɛ˦]
No leh, it’s right here.
(interrogative)Used to form “what about … ?” questions.
Pitch contour: (interrogative) high-mid [lɛ˦]
Our appointment leh?
Used to highlight or relay noteworthy information.
Pitch contour: low-mid [lɛ˨]
It’s next week leh.
Used to highlight the severity or seriousness of a situation.
Pitch contour: low-mid [lɛ˨]
Many houses were destroyed leh.
Reinforces the truth of a declarative remark.
Pitch contour: low-mid [lɛ˨]
You all damn noisy leh how to sleep?
Indicates a tentative reminder.
Pitch contour: low-mid [lɛ˨]
Still got risotto in the fridge leh.
(imperative)Indicates a tentative request.
Pitch contour: mid [lɛ˧]
Close the door leh.
Indicates disagreement with an idea or suggestion.
Pitch contour: mid [lɛ˧]
— We can try taking the train. — I don’t think we’ll have enough time leh.
Used to soften a disagreeing opinion.
Pitch contour: mid [lɛ˧]
I don’t think that’s accurate leh.
Reinforces a tentative opinion and invites agreement.
Pitch contour: mid [lɛ˧]
In my opinion the crème brûlée was so-so only leh.
Used to suggest that the listener has failed to take something into consideration.
Pitch contour: mid [lɛ˧]
I don’t have all day leh.
Origin
From Hokkien 咧 (--leh, “declarative particle used for emphasis; interrogative particle useFrom Hokkien 咧 (--leh, “declarative particle used for emphasis; interrogative particle used to express doubt”).
Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Dictionary text adapted from Wiktionary (Wiktionary contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0) and Open English WordNet / Princeton WordNet (CC BY 4.0, WordNet License); shared under CC BY-SA 4.0. Example sentences and recordings are credited where they appear.