fo1 tau4 sin2 zuk1科頭跣足科头跣足
Jyutpingfo1 tau4 sin2 zuk1
Yalefō tàuh sín jūk
Definition
Unrestrained and unconventional, symbolized by being bareheaded and barefooted.
colloquialdescriptionsdaily actions
How it's used
Originating from classical literature to describe a state of total freedom or lack of formality, this idiom is now used in colloquial Cantonese to describe someone who is dressed very casually or acting in an uninhibited manner. It carries a slightly humorous or self-deprecating tone when used to describe one's own disheveled appearance at home. It is rarely used in formal business or professional contexts.
Examples
He always walks around barefoot and hatless.
You should be unrestrained and relaxed on your day off.
Related words
Common phrases
in a hatless and barefoot manner
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal description of someone who has lost their shoes or hat, but it is primarily used to describe a relaxed, informal, or even messy lifestyle choice.
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.
