long4 toi1狼胎
Definition
Gluttonous or ravenous, eating like a wolf; aggressive, fierce, or ruthless.
- eating ravenously; gobbling food down greedily
- aggressive; fierce; ruthless
How it's used
Originally describing someone eating like a starving wolf, this term has evolved to describe any behavior that is overly aggressive, greedy, or lacking in social grace. It carries a strong sense of disapproval, suggesting that the person is prioritizing their own immediate gain at the expense of others or basic manners. While it can still refer to food, it is frequently used to criticize someone's cutthroat attitude in professional or competitive settings.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 狼心狗肺, which specifically describes a person who is ungrateful or cruel to those who have helped them. 狼胎 focuses on the intensity and greed of the action itself, rather than a lack of moral character.
Grammar color guide
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.
