dou2 mai5 sau6 sing1倒米壽星倒米寿星
Jyutpingdou2 mai5 sau6 sing1
Yaledóu máih sauh sīng
Definition
A person who brings bad luck, ruins things, or does someone a disservice by helping.
colloquialpeopleslang
How it's used
Originating from the phrase 倒米, which literally means spilling rice, this term describes someone whose interference causes loss or failure rather than providing assistance. It carries a strong sense of frustration and is used to label someone as a jinx or a liability in a specific task. While it sounds humorous due to the inclusion of 壽星, it is a sharp criticism of someone's incompetence.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Asking him for help is a total disaster, he just makes things worse.
Why did you hire this person who only brings bad luck and trouble?
Related words
Common phrases
a total jinx
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 壽星, which simply refers to a birthday person. Adding 倒米 changes the meaning entirely from a celebratory term to a derogatory one about someone's negative impact.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
