laai3 haa1 maa4癩蝦蟆癞虾蟆
Jyutpinglaai3 haa1 maa4
Yalelaai hā màh
Definition
Toad.
colloquialanimals
How it's used
Refers specifically to the warty, terrestrial amphibian rather than the smooth-skinned frog. It is frequently invoked in the idiom 癩蝦蟆想食天鵝肉, which describes someone aiming for a romantic partner far out of their league. The term carries a slightly negative or grotesque connotation due to the bumpy texture of the animal.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
That toad jumped out from the bushes.
Related words
Common phrases
a toad lusting after swan meat (aiming for someone out of one's league)
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 青蛙, which refers to a standard frog. Using 癩蝦蟆 to describe a regular frog is inaccurate and emphasizes the warts, which might sound insulting if applied to a person.
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.
