jat1 zek3 ngau4一隻牛一只牛
Jyutpingjat1 zek3 ngau4
Yaleyāt jek ngàuh
Definition
An extremely hardworking person; a workhorse.
colloquialpeoplework
How it's used
Describing someone as 一隻牛 emphasizes their relentless, tireless work ethic, often implying they take on heavy burdens without complaint. It carries a slightly sympathetic yet admiring tone, highlighting the physical or mental endurance required to keep going like a draft animal. While it can be used as a compliment for productivity, it sometimes suggests the person is overworking themselves to an unhealthy degree.
Examples
He is really a workaholic, working so hard every single day.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the English idiom 'bull in a china shop', which implies clumsiness or recklessness. In Cantonese, the focus is strictly on the capacity for heavy, sustained labor rather than destructive behavior.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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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.
