gaa1 ling4 jat1加零一
Jyutpinggaa1 ling4 jat1
Yalegā lìhng yāt
Definition
Extreme or absolute; reaching a level of 101 percent.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Originating from the idea of exceeding the maximum capacity of one hundred percent, this phrase functions as an intensifier for negative adjectives. It is almost exclusively used to emphasize extreme degrees of undesirable traits like stupidity, laziness, or poor quality. It carries a strong, hyperbolic tone that makes it very effective for complaining or expressing intense frustration.
Examples
He is beyond lazy; he never does any work.
This restaurant is absolutely terrible; let's not go there again.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe positive attributes, as it is almost always reserved for negative or critical contexts. It sounds unnatural if you try to use it to describe something being 'very good' or 'very happy'.
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.
