giu3 wu2叫糊
Jyutpinggiu3 wu2
Yalegiu wú
Definition
To have a ready hand in mahjong, needing only one tile to win.
colloquialother
How it's used
Originating from mahjong, this term has transcended the game to describe any situation where someone is one step away from completing a goal or task. It carries a sense of anticipation and tension, similar to being on the verge of a breakthrough. People often use it metaphorically in work or daily life to signal that they are almost finished with a project.
Examples
I am one tile away from a ready hand, don't discard that one.
You have a ready hand already? Your luck is truly incredible.
Related words
Common phrases
preparing to have a ready hand
the state of having a ready hand
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply having a good hand. It specifically refers to the state of needing only one more specific tile to win, not just having a high potential for winning.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.



