fung1 maa5 ngau4 bat1 soeng1 kap6風馬牛不相及风马牛不相及
Jyutpingfung1 maa5 ngau4 bat1 soeng1 kap6
Yalefūng máh ngàuh bāt sēung kahp
Definition
To be totally unrelated; having absolutely no connection with one another.
colloquialdescriptionscommunication
How it's used
This idiom is used to emphasize a complete lack of connection between two subjects, often implying that comparing them is illogical or absurd. It is frequently used in arguments or debates to dismiss a point that is considered irrelevant or off-topic. Despite its classical origins, it is fully integrated into modern spoken Cantonese.
Examples
These two things are completely unrelated, how can you compare them?
What he said has absolutely nothing to do with the topic.
Related words
Common phrases
completely unrelated
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use this phrase to mean 'different' or 'not the same', but it specifically denotes a total lack of logical relationship or connection, not just a difference in characteristics.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
