dou2 si2 gam3 zou2倒屎咁早
Jyutpingdou2 si2 gam3 zou2
Yaledóu sí gam jóu
Definition
Extremely early in the morning.
colloquialtimeslang
How it's used
This idiom carries a strong sense of annoyance or disbelief regarding an early start. It originates from the historical practice of night soil collectors who had to begin their work before dawn to avoid the city traffic. Using it implies that the time is not just early, but unreasonably or painfully so.
Examples
Why are you getting up so ridiculously early?
I have to go to work at such an ungodly hour tomorrow, it is really miserable.
Common phrases
to get up at an ungodly hour
to leave the house at an ungodly hour
Common mistake
Do not use this phrase in formal settings or professional contexts, as the reference to waste disposal makes it sound vulgar or at least very informal. It is strictly for casual conversation among friends or family.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
