maa4 maa2 dei2麻麻地
Jyutpingmaa4 maa2 dei2
Yalemàh má déi
Definition
So-so; mediocre; not particularly good but not too bad.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Expresses a lukewarm assessment that leans slightly towards disappointment without being outright negative. It is frequently paired with the particle 啫 to downplay the quality or 喎 to soften a critical opinion when sharing it with others. It functions as a predicate adjective and cannot be used to modify a noun directly.
Examples
The food at this restaurant is just so-so.
Do you think the movie is good? I find it just okay.
Related words
Common phrases
the taste is just so-so
the performance is just passable
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 唔錯, which means not bad or quite good. Using 麻麻地 to describe something you actually enjoyed will sound like you are being dismissive or unimpressed.
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.
