fei4 lou2肥佬
Jyutpingfei4 lou2
Yalefèih lóu
Definition
To fail an exam or test; to be unable to meet a standard.
colloquialschoolwork
How it's used
Originally a slang term for a fat person, this has evolved into a common verb for failing a test or assessment. It carries a slightly informal and resigned tone, making it perfect for discussing academic or practical failures among friends. It is rarely used in formal written reports or official school communications.
Examples
If you don't study more, you will definitely fail the exam.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is actually overweight, as it can be considered rude or offensive in a social context. Stick to using it strictly for failing tests or tasks.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
