cau3糗
Jyutpingcau3
Yalechau
Definition
Embarrassing, awkward, or a source of shame; dry rations for a journey.
- slangembarrassing; awkward; shameful
- dry rations, such as parched wheat or rice, taken on a journey
colloquialemotiondescriptions
How it's used
Originally referring to parched grain, the term has evolved in colloquial Cantonese to describe a state of extreme awkwardness or social embarrassment. It is frequently used to describe a situation where someone loses face or finds themselves in a humiliating predicament. The pronunciation often shifts to a higher tone in speech to emphasize the feeling of being flustered.
Examples
This time it is really embarrassing, I was seen by everyone.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin usage where it can mean to stew or braise food, as that meaning is not standard in Cantonese. In Hong Kong, it is almost exclusively used to describe social embarrassment or awkwardness.
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.
