hung4 seoi2 maang5 sau3洪水猛獸洪水猛兽
Jyutpinghung4 seoi2 maang5 sau3
Yalehùhng séui máahng sau
Definition
A metaphor for dangerous, vicious, or highly threatening things.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Used to describe something perceived as extremely dangerous or harmful, often when the speaker believes the fear is exaggerated or irrational. It carries a slightly formal or literary tone despite being used in daily speech to criticize someone's overreaction to change or new ideas.
Examples
He views this new technology as a dangerous threat.
Why are you so afraid of it, treating it like it's some kind of monster?
Related words
Common phrases
to regard as a dangerous threat
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe literal physical dangers like a real storm or a wild animal. It is strictly a metaphorical term for abstract concepts, social changes, or ideas that people irrationally fear.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
