din6 dang1 daam2電燈膽电灯胆
Jyutpingdin6 dang1 daam2
Yaledihn dāng dáam
Definition
Light bulb; also used to refer to a third wheel accompanying a romantic couple.
- light bulb
- slanga third wheel; an unwanted third person accompanying a pair of lovers
colloquialpeoplehome
How it's used
Beyond the literal meaning of a light bulb, this term is the standard way to describe a third wheel in a romantic context. The metaphorical use stems from the Cantonese pun that a light bulb is vacuum sealed and therefore not ventilated, which equates to someone who is socially oblivious or unable to read the room. It is a very common and slightly humorous way to decline an invitation to join a couple.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
The light bulb at home is broken, you need to help me change it.
They are going to the movies, I don't want to be the third wheel.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake the metaphorical meaning for a literal one when hearing it used in social contexts. Remember that while it refers to a physical object, it is almost exclusively used to describe an awkward third person in casual conversation.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
