co1 ceot1 maau4 lou4初出茅廬初出茅庐
Definition
To have just started working or begun a career; to be new and inexperienced.
How it's used
This idiom carries a slightly humble or self-deprecating tone when used to describe oneself, often serving as a polite disclaimer before asking for guidance. It is frequently used in professional or formal settings to acknowledge one's lack of experience while showing a willingness to learn. Unlike the English term rookie, which can sometimes sound dismissive, this expression is viewed as a respectful way to frame one's junior status.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a noun meaning a beginner, but it functions as a verb phrase describing the state of having just entered a field. Avoid using it to describe someone who is simply bad at their job, as it specifically refers to the lack of experience due to being new, not a lack of competence.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
