hyun2 ngaa4 gaau1 co3犬牙交錯犬牙交错
Definition
Interlocking like dog's teeth; intricate and complicated.
How it's used
Originally describing the jagged, interlocking edges of teeth, this idiom is now primarily used in formal or professional contexts to describe complex, overlapping, or inseparable situations. It carries a sense of structural complexity where elements are so deeply embedded in one another that disentangling them is nearly impossible. While it can be used in spoken Cantonese, it remains a sophisticated literary expression that is rarely used in casual, everyday small talk.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal description of physical objects like gears or teeth, but it is almost exclusively used metaphorically for abstract concepts like interests, power dynamics, or business operations. Using it to describe simple physical objects will sound unnatural and overly dramatic.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
