maa4 lak6麻叻
Jyutpingmaa4 lak6
Yalemàh lahk
Definition
Smart, capable, and clever.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Describes someone who is quick witted and highly competent in handling practical affairs. It often implies a sense of street smarts or resourcefulness rather than just academic intelligence. While it can be used as a genuine compliment, it is sometimes used sarcastically to mock someone who thinks they are smarter than they actually are.
Examples
He is very sharp and capable, he can solve any difficult problem.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 麻煩, which means troublesome. Learners sometimes mishear the ending or assume it relates to being a nuisance, but it is strictly a positive descriptor of ability.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
