haang1 keoi4 seoi2坑渠水
Jyutpinghaang1 keoi4 seoi2
Yalehāang kèuih séui
Definition
Sewage water from a ditch, or figuratively, salty red bean congee.
- sewage water collected in ditches or waterways
- figurativesalty red bean congee
colloquialfoodplaces
How it's used
Primarily refers to literal sewage or stagnant water found in drains. When used to describe food, it acts as a harsh insult implying the dish is unappetizing, murky, or poorly prepared. It is a very vivid and derogatory comparison that should be avoided in polite company.
Measure word
dau1兜dāuExamples
The sewage water here smells really bad.
The red bean congee you cooked looks like sewage water.
Related words
Common phrases
the taste of sewage
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply dirty water, as the term specifically evokes the imagery of urban drainage systems. Using it to describe someone's cooking is highly offensive and implies the food is unfit for human consumption.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Adjective
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
