caau2 fan2炒粉
Jyutpingcaau2 fan2
Yalecháau fán
Definition
To fail, perform badly, or flop.
colloquialdaily actionswork
How it's used
Originating from the culinary act of stir-frying noodles, this term vividly describes a situation where things go wrong or fall apart. It is frequently used in professional or academic contexts to describe a project or exam that did not go as planned. The phrase carries a sense of frustration or disappointment, often implying that the failure was due to a lack of preparation or a sudden mistake.
Examples
The plan flopped this time, it is really a headache.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the literal meaning of stir-frying noodles, which is also 炒粉. Context is essential to distinguish between a culinary dish and a failure.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
