lou5 naap6老衲
Jyutpinglou5 naap6
Yalelóuh naahp
Definition
An old Buddhist monk, or a self-referential term used by an old monk.
colloquialpeople
How it's used
Originally a humble self-reference used by Buddhist monks, this term has evolved into a playful or mock-serious way for laypeople to refer to themselves. It carries a distinct air of theatricality, often used in jest to sound like a character from a classic martial arts novel or a period drama. Using it in a serious or professional setting will sound highly eccentric or sarcastic.
Examples
I, this old monk, would like to go eat vegetarian food today.
Related words
Common phrases
my dharma name is
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a standard pronoun, but it is highly stylized and should never be used as a neutral way to say I or me.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
