laa5 zaa2拿渣
Jyutpinglaa5 zaa2
Yaleláh já
Definition
Dirty, filthy, or messy; underhanded, despicable, or corrupt.
- slangdirty; filthy; unclean
- slangdespicable; corrupt; underhanded; dirty (as in dirty tricks)
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Primarily used to describe someone's character or behavior rather than physical filth. It carries a strong sense of moral disapproval, often implying that a person is underhanded, petty, or lacking in integrity. While it can describe a messy environment, it is far more common to hear it applied to someone who cheats or acts dishonorably.
Examples
He is a despicable person who always badmouths others behind their backs.
Related words
Common phrases
underhanded tactics
to have a despicable character
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 污糟, which refers strictly to physical dirtiness or lack of hygiene. Using 拿渣 to describe a dirty shirt would sound unnatural, as it implies the shirt itself is morally corrupt or shady.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
