cou1 hau2粗口
Jyutpingcou1 hau2
Yalechōu háu
Definition
Swear words, foul language, or profanity.
colloquialslangcommunication
How it's used
Using this term is considered highly offensive and inappropriate in professional or formal settings. It is often used as a collective noun to describe the act of swearing, rather than referring to a single word. Be aware that the intensity of these words varies significantly, and they are strictly avoided in polite company.
Measure word
geoi3句geuiExamples
He likes to sprinkle his speech with profanity.
Why are you using foul language here?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the adjective 粗魯, which describes someone who is rude or boorish in behavior. Using 粗口 as an adjective to describe a person is grammatically incorrect; instead, use 粗口爛舌 to describe someone who habitually swears.
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.
