cau2 lau6醜陋丑陋
Jyutpingcau2 lau6
Yalecháu lauh
Definition
Ugly, hideous, or morally repulsive.
neutraldescriptions
How it's used
Focuses primarily on moral corruption or abstract concepts rather than just physical appearance. While it can describe a person's face, it is more commonly used to critique behavior, intentions, or social phenomena. Using it to describe a person's physical looks can sound overly dramatic or literary compared to the more common colloquial term 樣衰.
Examples
Why do you have to say such ugly things?
Related words
Common phrases
the ugliness of human nature
ugly face or true colors
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe everyday objects or minor aesthetic flaws, as it carries a heavy, serious tone. For physical appearance, native speakers almost always prefer 樣衰 or 醜.
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.
