lou5 ngan1 ke2老奀茄
Jyutpinglou5 ngan1 ke2
Yalelóuh ngān ké
Definition
An old, small, thin, and wrinkled person who resembles a child.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This term carries a slightly derogatory or teasing tone, often used to describe elderly people who appear frail, shriveled, or unusually small. It paints a vivid picture of someone who has lost their vitality and physical stature, resembling a withered vegetable. Avoid using it in formal or respectful contexts as it can sound quite rude or dismissive.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a child who is just thin, as the prefix 老 specifically anchors the term to the elderly. Using it for a young person would be confusing and likely offensive.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
