haam4 coi3 sai1 zong1鹹菜西裝咸菜西装
Jyutpinghaam4 coi3 sai1 zong1
Yalehàahm choi sāi jōng
Definition
A crumpled or heavily wrinkled suit.
colloquialclothingdescriptions
How it's used
This expression uses the visual similarity between wrinkled fabric and preserved vegetables to describe a suit that has been poorly maintained or packed. It carries a strong sense of disapproval or mockery regarding someone's unkempt appearance. It is specifically used for formal wear that has lost its crispness.
Related words
Common phrases
the suit is like pickled vegetables
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe other types of clothing, as it is idiomatic specifically to suits. It is not a formal term and should be avoided in professional settings or when speaking to superiors.
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.
