goe3 gai1鋸雞锯鸡
Jyutpinggoe3 gai1
Yalegeu gāi
Definition
To play a bowed string instrument, such as a violin, very badly and produce screeching sounds.
colloquialother
How it's used
This term vividly captures the harsh, grating sound of a beginner struggling with a bowed string instrument. It functions as a verb and is used exclusively to mock or complain about poor musical performance. It is a classic example of Cantonese onomatopoeic slang that relies on the imagery of a saw cutting through something tough.
Examples
He is playing the violin so badly, my ears hurt from listening.
Common phrases
no matter how much one practices, they still sound terrible
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is simply playing a piece incorrectly or missing notes. It specifically refers to the unpleasant, screeching quality of the sound produced by poor bowing technique.
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.
