haap3 cou3呷醋
Jyutpinghaap3 cou3
Yalehaap chou
Definition
To be jealous, especially over someone you care about showing affection or attention to someone else.
colloquialemotionpeople
How it's used
Focuses specifically on romantic or interpersonal jealousy where someone feels neglected because attention is diverted elsewhere. It carries a slightly playful or mocking tone when used to describe someone who is being overly sensitive or possessive. While it literally translates to sipping vinegar, it is a standard idiomatic way to describe this specific type of insecurity.
Examples
He gets jealous whenever you talk to others, it is so annoying.
Why are you being jealous? He only sees you as a friend.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 妒忌, which is a broader term for envy or jealousy towards someone's success or possessions. 呷醋 is strictly reserved for the feeling of being sidelined in a relationship.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
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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.
