ji1 saam1 laam4 leoi5衣衫襤褸衣衫褴褛
Jyutpingji1 saam1 laam4 leoi5
Yaleyī sāam làahm léuih
Definition
Shabby, ragged, and dressed in worn-out or torn clothing, indicating a poor or difficult situation.
writtenclothingdescriptions
How it's used
This is a formal idiom used to describe someone whose clothes are torn and worn out. While it carries a literary tone, it is still frequently used in daily conversation to emphasize a person's extreme poverty or neglected appearance. It functions as an adjective and is often used with the verb 嚟 to describe the state of a person.
Examples
He is dressed in rags and looks like he has not eaten for a long time.
Why are you going to a job interview looking so ragged?
Related words
Common phrases
dressed entirely in rags
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a verb phrase, but it is strictly an adjective. Avoid using it to describe inanimate objects like old furniture or torn curtains, as it specifically refers to human attire.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
