gaan1 maau1奸貓奸猫
Jyutpinggaan1 maau1
Yalegāan māau
Definition
A tricky, cunning, or sneaky person.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Describes someone who is sly, manipulative, or devious in their dealings with others. It carries a strong negative connotation and is often used to warn someone about a person's untrustworthy character. The term is metaphorical, drawing on the perceived cunning nature of cats in local folklore.
Examples
He is such a cunning person, don't ever trust him.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe an actual cat, as it is strictly used to insult human behavior. It is also not a common term for a 'spy' or 'traitor', which would be better expressed as 間諜 or 漢奸.
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.
