goek3 tau4 m4 hou2腳頭唔好脚头唔好
Jyutpinggoek3 tau4 m4 hou2
Yalegeuk tàuh m̀h hóu
Definition
Unlucky, referring to someone whose bad luck rubs off on those around them.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
This expression is deeply rooted in traditional folk beliefs regarding luck and fate. It is often used jokingly or superstitiously to describe someone whose presence or involvement seems to coincide with negative outcomes. While it can be used to blame someone for a string of bad luck, it is frequently used self-deprecatingly by people who feel they are personally unlucky.
Examples
He always says he brings bad luck, everything he does fails.
Do you think he brings bad luck, so you don't want to hire him?
Related words
Common phrases
bringing good fortune
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply being clumsy or having bad skills. It specifically refers to an aura of misfortune that affects others or the environment, rather than a lack of ability.
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.
