hau2 fu2口苦
Jyutpinghau2 fu2
Yaleháu fú
Definition
A bitter taste in the mouth, or a consequent loss of appetite.
colloquialhealthbody
How it's used
Often associated with traditional Chinese medicine concepts like heat or dampness in the body, this term describes a physical sensation rather than just a lack of hunger. It frequently appears when someone is explaining why they are refusing food or complaining about their general state of health. It carries a sense of discomfort that goes beyond simple loss of appetite.
Examples
I have had a bitter taste in my mouth lately, and everything I eat tastes like nothing.
Related words
Common phrases
to feel a bitter taste in the mouth
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply being picky or having a small appetite. It specifically refers to the physiological sensation of bitterness, which is the underlying cause for the lack of desire to eat.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
