lau4僂偻
Jyutpinglau4
Yalelàuh
Definition
Hunchback; a person with a hunched back.
colloquialbodydescriptions
How it's used
Describes a physical posture where the back is bent or curved, often due to age or habitual poor posture. While it can refer to a medical condition, it is frequently used to describe the act of slouching or bending over while working or sitting. It carries a slightly descriptive or critical tone depending on whether it refers to a permanent state or a temporary habit.
Examples
He is getting old, and his back is starting to hunch.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this word to describe someone with a severe medical deformity as it can be perceived as offensive or insensitive. In casual conversation, people more commonly use 寒背 to describe the condition of having a hunched back.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
