嘅啦嘛 (ge3 laa1 maa3)

Of Course It's Like That

Level 5Sounds Like ge3 laa1 maa3

Use 嘅啦嘛 (ge3 laa1 maa3) to say 'Duh!' or 'Obviously!' when reminding someone of a fact they should already know.

How It Works

The particle cluster 嘅啦嘛 (ge3 laa1 maa3) is a highly colloquial way to emphasize that a statement is a natural consequence or a self-evident truth. It is often used to gently (or impatiently) remind a listener of something they seem to have overlooked.

Breakdown of the components:

  • 嘅 (ge3): Asserts the statement as a definitive fact or state.
  • 啦 (laa1): In this context, it adds a sense of 'it is already the case' or 'it is naturally so.'
  • 嘛 (maa3): Appeals to the listener's common sense, implying 'don't you agree?' or 'as you know.'

Together, they form a 3-1-3 tone pattern (Mid-High-Mid). While it can sound slightly condescending if used with the wrong tone, among friends it often expresses shared understanding or solidarity regarding a common-sense reality.

Examples (4)

  1. 係噉嘅啦嘛！

    That's just how it is, obviously!

    Word by Word: is so [particle cluster]

    A very common phrase used to explain that a situation is a natural result of how the world works.

  2. 佢係你個仔，你實錫佢嘅啦嘛。

    He's your son; of course you're going to dote on him.

    Word by Word: he is your [CL] son, you surely dote-on him [particle cluster]

    Here, the speaker is asserting an emotional truth that should be obvious to everyone.

  3. 你唔舒服就應該睇醫生嘅啦嘛。

    If you're not feeling well, you should obviously see a doctor.

    Word by Word: you not comfortable then should see doctor [particle cluster]

    Used to remind someone of a common-sense action they are failing to take.

  4. 我哋係好朋友，我實幫你嘅啦嘛。

    We are best friends, of course I'll help you.

    Word by Word: we are good friends, I surely help you [particle cluster]

    In this context, the cluster expresses solidarity and a shared expectation of loyalty.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the cluster to provide brand new information.

    聽日會落雨嘅啦嘛。
    聽日會落雨㗎。

    Because 嘅啦嘛 implies 'you should already know this,' using it for a new weather forecast makes you sound like you're blaming the listener for not knowing the future.

  • Confusing the final tone (maa3 vs maa1).

    係噉嘅啦嘛？ (ge3 laa1 maa1)
    係噉嘅啦嘛！ (ge3 laa1 maa3)

    Changing the final tone to 1 (maa1) turns the assertion into a confused-sounding question, which contradicts the 'obvious' nature of the cluster.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

嘅啦嘛 (ge3 laa1 maa3)Level 5Of Course It's Like That

Learn This First

The pattern '嘅啦嘛 (ge3 laa1 maa3)' is a complex particle stack. To understand it, a learner must first be familiar with the individual meanings of its three components: the assertive '嘅', the situational '啦', and the 'obviousness' marker '嘛'.

Words in This Pattern