cyun1 zo2穿咗
Jyutpingcyun1 zo2
Yalechyūn jó
Definition
To have a secret exposed or let out.
colloquialcommunication
How it's used
The full expression is typically 穿咗煲, which literally refers to a pot being punctured so that its contents leak out. It is used exclusively for secrets, lies, or hidden plans that are accidentally revealed. You will rarely hear just 穿咗 on its own in this context; the addition of 煲 is essential for the idiomatic meaning.
Examples
Don't tell anyone, it will be troublesome if the secret gets out.
He let something slip, causing the whole thing to be exposed.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the literal verb 穿, which means to wear clothing or to pierce through an object. Using 穿咗 without 煲 will likely be interpreted as having worn something or having poked a hole in something, rather than revealing a secret.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
