cau3 si2 mat6 gam2臭屎密冚
Jyutpingcau3 si2 mat6 gam2
Yalechau sí maht gám
Definition
To keep family scandals or embarrassing matters secret from outsiders.
colloquialfamilypeople
How it's used
This idiom carries a strong sense of protecting family reputation and maintaining social boundaries. It is often used as a piece of advice to younger family members to prevent them from sharing embarrassing or negative household secrets with friends or colleagues. While it reflects traditional values of privacy, it can also be used critically to describe someone who is being overly secretive or defensive about their family's flaws.
Examples
Keep family matters private, don't go around talking about them.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal description of hygiene or physical waste. It is strictly a metaphorical expression about reputation and privacy, so using it in a context related to actual cleaning or sanitation will cause confusion.
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.
