m4 gau3 goek3唔夠腳唔够脚
Jyutpingm4 gau3 goek3
Yalem̀h gau geuk
Definition
Short of players, typically for mahjong, card games, or team sports.
colloquialpeopledaily actions
How it's used
The term literally refers to having insufficient feet to complete a set, which is a common way to describe needing a fourth person for a game of mahjong. It is frequently used in social contexts to invite someone to join a group activity when the current headcount is insufficient. While primarily associated with gaming, it can be applied to any situation where a specific number of participants is required to start an activity.
Examples
We don't have enough people for mahjong tonight, come over and make up the numbers.
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a general lack of people for a meeting or a crowd; it is specifically for activities that require a fixed number of participants, like board games or sports teams.
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.
