jat1 gau6 faan6一舊飯一旧饭

Jyutpingjat1 gau6 faan6

Yaleyāt gauh faahn

Definition

An inactive, unresponsive, or stupid person.

colloquialpeopledescriptions

How it's used

Using this term to describe someone implies they are physically present but mentally absent or completely lacking in initiative. It is a common way to tease friends or colleagues for being slow to react or appearing dazed. The imagery focuses on the static, unmoving nature of a lump of rice, emphasizing a lack of intelligence or awareness.

Examples

nei5你zou6做me1咩kei5企hai2喺dou6度ci5似jat1一gau6舊faan6飯gam3咁aa4呀？

Why are you standing there like a lump of wood?

keoi5佢ping4平si4時hou2好ci5似jat1一gau6舊faan6飯，dim2點zi1知jyun4原loi4來gam3咁sing2醒muk6目。

He usually seems like a total airhead, but it turns out he is actually very sharp.

Common phrases

ci5似jat1一gau6舊faan6飯

to look like a lump of rice

Common mistake

Avoid using this to describe someone who is simply quiet or shy, as it carries a stronger connotation of being dim-witted or useless in a situation. It is derogatory enough that it should be reserved for informal settings among peers.