dou3 diu3 mou5 dik1 mak6 seoi2倒吊冇滴墨水

Jyutpingdou3 diu3 mou5 dik1 mak6 seoi2

Yaledou diu móuh dīk mahk séui

Definition

Completely illiterate or uncultured; having no learning or writing ability whatsoever.

colloquialpeopledescriptions

How it's used

This idiom uses a vivid, slightly humorous image to emphasize a total lack of education or literary talent. It is much stronger than simply saying someone is not good at writing, as it implies a complete absence of knowledge or intellectual depth. It is often used in a teasing or critical manner to mock someone's lack of formal schooling.

Examples

keoi5佢duk6讀syu1書siu2少，zan1真hai6係dou3倒diu3吊mou5冇dik6滴mak6墨seoi2水㗎。

He hasn't read many books; he really is completely illiterate.

nei5你giu3叫go3個dou3倒diu3吊mou5冇dik6滴mak6墨seoi2水ge3嘅jan4人se2寫seon3信，keoi5佢dim2點se2寫aa4呀？

You're asking someone who is completely unlettered to write a letter, how could he possibly do it?

Common phrases

zan1真hai6係dou3倒diu3吊mou5冇dik6滴mak6墨seoi2水

really completely illiterate

Common mistake

Do not use this to describe someone who is simply having a bad day or struggling with a specific task. It is a harsh judgment on a person's overall level of education or intelligence, so it can easily cause offense if used in a professional or polite setting.