lou5 jyu4 hoi6 ci2魯魚亥豕鲁鱼亥豕
Jyutpinglou5 jyu4 hoi6 ci2
Yalelóuh yùh hoih chí
Definition
Clerical or printing errors resulting from similar written forms of characters.
writtenother
How it's used
This idiom is a sophisticated way to describe typos or errors caused by visual similarity between characters. It is rarely used in casual spoken Cantonese and is mostly reserved for formal writing, academic contexts, or when someone wants to sound particularly educated or pedantic about proofreading. It specifically refers to errors of confusion rather than just general mistakes.
Examples
The report has many typos, it needs to be revised.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a common word, but it is a highly literary idiom that sounds unnatural in everyday conversation. Using it in a casual setting might make you sound like you are reading from a classical text rather than speaking naturally.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
