lo2裸
Jyutpinglo2
Yaleló
Definition
Unpreparedly, hastily, or without planning.
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How it's used
Originally a Mandarin loanword, this term has become very popular in Hong Kong slang to describe doing something significant without any safety net or preparation. It implies a sense of risk-taking or recklessness, often used in professional or academic contexts. It functions as a prefix to a verb to indicate the lack of a buffer or prior arrangement.
Examples
He is winging the exam this time, he didn't study at all.
Are you planning to quit your job without a backup? Have you thought it through?
Related words
Common phrases
to resign without having another job lined up
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the literal meaning of naked or bare, which is how the character is used in formal writing. In Cantonese, it is strictly used as a prefix for specific actions like quitting a job or taking a test, rather than as a general adverb for being unprepared.
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.
