gaau1膠胶
Jyutpinggaau1
Yalegāau
Definition
Plastic or rubber.
colloquialotherslang
How it's used
Beyond its literal meaning as a material, this word is frequently used in slang to describe someone who acts foolishly, clumsily, or is socially awkward. When used in this derogatory sense, it often appears in the phrase 扮膠 to describe someone pretending to be clueless for effect. It is a very common, informal way to dismiss someone's behavior as nonsensical or annoying.
Measure word
gin2件gínExamples
This plastic bag is very thin and cannot hold heavy items.
Is your water bottle made of plastic or glass?
Related words
Common mistake
Be careful not to use this word to describe anything high quality or premium, as it carries a strong connotation of being cheap, artificial, or disposable. Using it to describe a person is offensive and should be avoided in polite company.
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.
