dau6 fu6 zaa1豆腐渣
Jyutpingdau6 fu6 zaa1
Yaledauh fuh jā
Definition
Tofu dregs, used figuratively to refer to poorly built, shoddy, or jerry-built construction.
colloquialworkplaces
How it's used
Originally referring to the leftover pulp from making tofu, this term has become a powerful metaphor for any project or structure that lacks structural integrity due to corruption or negligence. It is almost exclusively used in a critical or accusatory tone when discussing public works or real estate. The imagery highlights how easily such projects crumble, much like soft, wet tofu dregs.
Examples
This building cracked so quickly, it must be a shoddy construction.
Who is responsible for this jerry-built project?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe something that is simply old or poorly designed. It specifically implies that the poor quality is the result of intentional corner-cutting or illegal cost-saving measures.
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.
