haam4 jyu2鹹魚咸鱼
Jyutpinghaam4 jyu2
Yalehàahm yú
Definition
Salted fish, or colloquially used to refer to a corpse.
- salted fish
- slanga corpse; dead body
colloquialfoodslang
How it's used
Beyond the culinary meaning, this term is frequently used as a metaphor for a person who lacks ambition or motivation, often referred to as a salted fish lifestyle. It also functions as a dark, slang term for a corpse, particularly in crime dramas or casual conversation about accidents. The imagery relies on the stiff, lifeless appearance of the preserved fish.
Measure word
tiu4條tìuhExamples
Shall we steam a salted fish to go with our rice tonight?
Related words
Common phrases
a comeback after being written off
steamed salted fish
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a person who is simply tired or resting, as it carries a strong connotation of being useless or having no drive. When referring to the food, ensure you use the correct measure word 條.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
