gu2 lou5 sap6 baat3 doi6古老十八代
Jyutpinggu2 lou5 sap6 baat3 doi6
Yalegú lóuh sahp baat doih
Definition
Ancient; extremely old; from a very long time ago.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
This expression is used to describe things that are extremely old fashioned, outdated, or from a long time ago. It carries a strong sense of exaggeration and often implies that the item or idea is no longer relevant or useful in modern times. It is almost exclusively used in informal, conversational settings to emphasize how archaic something feels.
Examples
Are there still people following these ancient rules?
Related words
Common phrases
ancient stuff
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the phrase 祖宗十八代, which refers to one's ancestors or lineage. While both use the same numerical component, 古老十八代 is strictly for describing objects, customs, or ideas that are obsolete, whereas 祖宗十八代 is used when talking about family history or in the context of scolding someone.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
