gaau2 waan1搞彎搞弯
Jyutpinggaau2 waan1
Yalegáau wāan
Definition
To spoil, ruin, or mess up a plan or situation.
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
This phrase is used when someone's actions or interference cause a plan, relationship, or situation to go wrong. It carries a strong sense of frustration or blame, implying that the outcome was intentional or due to gross incompetence. It is essentially the colloquial equivalent of saying someone messed something up.
Examples
It was perfectly fine originally, but he ended up ruining everything.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 搞掂, which means to fix or complete something successfully. Using 搞彎 when you mean to finish a task will sound like you are saying you destroyed it.
Grammar color guide
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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.
