ham6 gaa1 caan2冚家鏟冚家铲
Jyutpingham6 gaa1 caan2
Yalehahm gā cháan
Definition
An extreme curse wishing for someone's entire family to die, or used generally as a vulgar exclamation.
- vulgarmay your whole family die
- vulgaridiot; bastard; motherfucker (referring to a person)
- vulgardamn it; focked; ruined (exclamation of dismay)
slangpeopleslang
How it's used
Carrying extreme hostility, this phrase is considered highly offensive and is essentially a severe curse. While it literally refers to an entire family perishing, it is frequently used as a generic insult directed at a single person to label them as a despicable or loathsome individual. Avoid using this in any social setting unless you intend to start a serious confrontation.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
a total scumbag
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the less aggressive term 冚家拎, which is still an insult but carries a slightly different nuance. Using this phrase can easily lead to physical altercations due to the severity of the curse.
Grammar color guide
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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.
