dai6 gau2第九
Jyutpingdai6 gau2
Yaledaih gáu
Definition
Ninth, or colloquially used to describe someone as useless or poor in ability.
- the ninth
- slanguseless; poor in ability
slangpeopleslang
How it's used
Deriving from the Cantonese slang for being 'at the bottom of the list' or 'last place', this term is a harsh way to label someone as incompetent or hopeless. It functions as an adjective to describe a person's lack of ability or a task performed poorly. Because it carries a strong derogatory tone, it is best avoided in professional or polite settings.
Examples
He is really useless at work, always messing everything up.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the literal ordinal number ninth, which is also written as 第九. In casual speech, the context usually makes it clear whether you are referring to a sequence or insulting someone's intelligence.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Adjective
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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.
