gaan2 lau6簡陋简陋
Jyutpinggaan2 lau6
Yalegáan lauh
Definition
Simple and crude, or poorly equipped; typically describing a building, room, or facility.
neutralplacesdescriptions
How it's used
Focuses on the lack of basic necessities or comfort rather than just being plain or minimalist. It carries a negative connotation of being substandard or shabby, often implying that the environment is not fit for its intended purpose. It is frequently used to complain about accommodation or workplace conditions.
Examples
His house is very crude, he doesn't even have a bed.
The facilities here are so inadequate, how can anyone live here?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a person's personality or a simple lifestyle choice, as it specifically refers to physical environments or facilities. Use 簡單 for things that are merely simple or uncomplicated.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
