cat1 coi2七彩
Jyutpingcat1 coi2
Yalechāt chói
Definition
Colourful; or used as an intensifier meaning extremely, usually for bad situations.
- colourful; of many colours
- slangextremely; very (typically following "dou3" and describing bad situations)
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Functions primarily as an intensifier following the particle 到 to describe the extreme degree of an action or state. While literally meaning seven colors, it is almost exclusively used in negative contexts such as being scolded, beaten, or failing miserably. It carries a vivid, slightly dramatic tone that emphasizes the severity of the situation.
Examples
He got scolded severely.
Did you get scolded by the boss for making a mistake?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe positive things like a beautiful painting or a vibrant outfit, as it is reserved for negative or unfortunate circumstances.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
