maai6 sang1 ngau5賣生藕卖生藕
Jyutpingmaai6 sang1 ngau5
Yalemaaih sāng ngáuh
Definition
To flirt.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
This expression is a colorful, idiomatic way to describe someone acting in a flirtatious or suggestive manner. It carries a slightly playful or mocking tone, often implying that the person is being overly forward or trying too hard to attract attention. It is essentially interchangeable with 拋生藕, both of which evoke the image of someone trying to sell something raw or unrefined.
Examples
He is always flirting on the street, he really has no shame.
Related words
Common phrases
likes to flirt
Common mistake
Do not use this term in formal or professional settings, as it can sound quite disrespectful or dismissive. It is strictly for casual, informal conversation among friends or when gossiping about someone's behavior.
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.
