dou2 zou3倒竈倒灶
Jyutpingdou2 zou3
Yaledóu jou
Definition
To fail, ruin a plan, or bring bad luck; to be more of a hindrance than a help.
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
Originating from the superstition that a collapsed kitchen stove brings bad luck to the household, this term describes someone whose presence or actions actively sabotage progress. It implies a sense of frustration where the person is not just incompetent, but actively detrimental to the task at hand. It is often used to describe someone who ruins a situation despite their attempts to intervene.
Examples
Don't come and make things worse, you're really a hindrance.
He is always being a nuisance, making everyone so annoyed.
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply being clumsy or slow, as it specifically carries the connotation of causing misfortune or negative outcomes for others. It is a strong, slightly harsh term that should be used carefully in professional settings.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
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Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
