gwai1 suk1龜縮龟缩
Jyutpinggwai1 suk1
Yalegwāi sūk
Definition
Timid, faint-hearted, or cowardly; shrinking back in fear like a turtle drawing in its head.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Originally describing the way a turtle retracts its head into its shell, this term carries a strong sense of cowardice or avoidance. It is frequently used to criticize someone who refuses to face a challenge or takes a passive stance when they should be taking action. The imagery is vivid and implies a deliberate, almost pathetic attempt to remain invisible or safe.
Examples
How are you going to solve it if you just cower when you face a problem?
Related words
Common phrases
hiding away at home
cowering and not daring to speak up
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe someone who is simply shy or introverted. It specifically implies a lack of courage or a failure to take responsibility when confronted with a situation.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
