laa5 zaa2嗱喳

Jyutpinglaa5 zaa2

Yaleláh já

Definition

Dirty, filthy, or unhygienic.

colloquialdescriptionsfood

How it's used

Originally referring to physical filth or unhygienic conditions, the term has evolved to describe anything of low quality, morally questionable, or done in a sloppy, underhanded manner. It carries a strong sense of disdain and is often used to criticize someone's character or a business that cuts corners. When describing food, it implies a lack of basic hygiene standards rather than just poor taste.

Examples

le1呢gaan1間caan1餐teng1廳hou2好laa5嗱zaa2喳，m4唔hou2好heoi3去sik6食aa4呀。

This restaurant is really dirty, let's not go eat there.

keoi5佢seng4成jat6日zou6做di1啲laa5嗱zaa2喳je5嘢，hou2好tou2討jim3厭。

He is always doing shady things, it's really annoying.

Common phrases

laa5嗱zaa2喳min6麵

cart noodles (literally dirty noodles, a classic local street food)

laa5嗱zaa2喳je5嘢

shady business or dirty tricks

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with 邋遢, which is the standard term for messy or untidy. While 嗱喳 is specifically for things that are unhygienic or morally dirty, 邋遢 is more commonly used for a messy room or unkempt appearance.