hou2 cau2好醜好丑
Jyutpinghou2 cau2
Yalehóu cháu
Definition
At least; after all; also refers to the good and bad quality of something.
- at least; after all; regardless of quality
- good and bad; quality of an object or situation
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Conveys a sense of resignation or lowering expectations when evaluating a situation that is not ideal but still acceptable. It functions as a way to find a silver lining by establishing a minimum standard of quality or performance. The literal meaning of ugly is completely absent here, as it focuses entirely on the threshold of what is considered passable.
Examples
At the very least, the salary from this job is enough for me to pay rent.
He is at least decent enough, don't ask for too much.
Related words
Common phrases
at the very least
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the literal meaning of ugly, which is also written as 好醜. Context is essential to distinguish between saying something is at least acceptable and saying something is very ugly.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
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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.
