gau6 muk6舊木旧木
Jyutpinggau6 muk6
Yalegauh muhk
Definition
A slow-witted, dull, or unresponsive person.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This term is used to describe someone who is unresponsive, slow to react, or lacks social awareness. It carries a slightly derogatory tone, implying the person is as dull and unmoving as a piece of timber. It is often used in comparisons with the particle 咁 to highlight someone's lack of initiative or intelligence in a specific moment.
Examples
He is like a block of wood; no matter how much you explain, he doesn't understand.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the literal meaning of old wood, as the context will clearly distinguish between a physical object and a person's character. It is strictly used as a metaphor for a person's behavior and should not be used to describe inanimate objects.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
