caang1倀伥
Jyutpingcaang1
Yalechāang
Definition
Fierce, aggressive, or cranky in personality.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
While rooted in the folklore of the ghost that serves a tiger, the modern usage is almost exclusively applied to describe a person's temperament. It carries a strong connotation of being unnecessarily aggressive, sharp-tongued, or prone to picking fights. It is frequently used to describe someone who is quick to anger or acts in a bullying manner.
Examples
She is very fierce and always looks for trouble with people.
Related words
Common phrases
cranky or shrewish (of women)
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the common slang 倀雞, which is specifically reserved for describing women who are cranky or shrewish. Using 倀 on its own is a broader descriptor for aggressive behavior regardless of gender.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
