laan6爛烂
Jyutpinglaan6
Yalelaahn
Definition
To rot, decay, or go bad; organic matter decomposing naturally or by bacteria.
colloquialfooddescriptions
How it's used
Beyond describing biological decay, this word is extremely versatile for anything that is broken, torn, or in a state of disrepair. It is frequently used to describe clothing with holes or objects that have lost their structural integrity. When applied to people, it can carry a negative connotation, implying someone is morally corrupt or a troublemaker.
Examples
These fruits have been sitting for too long and are completely rotten.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin usage where it can sometimes mean soft or mushy from overcooking. While Cantonese speakers understand that, the primary focus here is on damage or decomposition.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
