ceot1 joeng4 soeng3出洋相
Jyutpingceot1 joeng4 soeng3
Yalechēut yèuhng seung
Definition
To make a fool of oneself; to make an exhibition of oneself.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
Focuses specifically on the public nature of the embarrassment, often implying that the person's behavior is so awkward or clumsy that it becomes a spectacle for others. It carries a slightly mocking tone, suggesting that the observer finds the situation more funny than tragic.
Examples
He fell on stage and really made a fool of himself.
Stop making a fool of yourself here, leave quickly.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply being embarrassed or shy, as it specifically requires a visible, clumsy, or ridiculous action that invites laughter from onlookers.
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.
