lou5 zik1老積老积
Jyutpinglou5 zik1
Yalelóuh jīk
Definition
Precocious or prematurely old-fashioned; describing a child who is too mature, worldly, or experienced.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Carries a negative connotation, implying that a child is behaving in a way that is unnatural or forced for their age. It often describes children who mimic adult mannerisms, speech patterns, or social calculations. While sometimes used jokingly by parents, it generally suggests the child has lost their innocence or is trying too hard to be sophisticated.
Examples
That kid is so worldly, he really doesn't seem like he's only a few years old.
Don't act so mature, it's better to just act like a child.
Related words
Common phrases
very worldly for a child
to look older than one's age
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe an adult who is mature or wise, as it specifically targets children who are acting beyond their years. For adults, use terms like 老練 or 成熟 instead.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
