cau3 baat3臭八
Jyutpingcau3 baat3
Yalechau baat
Definition
A nasty, unpleasant, or detestable person.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
This term describes someone who is not just mean but also has a generally repulsive or disagreeable personality. It carries a strong sense of social disapproval and is often used when someone is acting petty, rude, or difficult to deal with. Unlike simply calling someone bad, this implies a character flaw that makes others want to keep their distance.
Examples
He is such a nasty person, nobody wants to hang out with him.
Related words
Common phrases
to have a very nasty personality
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the literal smell of something rotten, as it is strictly used to describe a person's character or behavior. It is a harsh insult, so avoid using it in professional or formal settings.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
