fong1 hong1 zau2 baan2荒腔走板
Definition
Out of tune, or describing something that has deviated greatly from what is appropriate.
- out of tune or off-tempo
- figurativeunreasonable, ridiculous, or highly inappropriate
How it's used
Originally referring to singing where the pitch is off or the rhythm is broken, this idiom is now frequently applied to situations, plans, or performances that have spiraled out of control. It carries a sense of disappointment or disbelief that something has deviated so far from its intended course or standard. It is often used in professional or formal contexts to critique a project that has lost its focus.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple musical term, but it is highly idiomatic and frequently used metaphorically for organizational or social failures. Do not use it to describe a minor mistake; it implies a significant, almost comical level of incompetence or deviation.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- 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.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
