mau4 jan4 zi6謀人寺谋人寺
Jyutpingmau4 jan4 zi6
Yalemàuh yàhn jih
Definition
An establishment that overcharges its customers or conducts business dishonestly; a rip-off.
colloquialmoneyshopping
How it's used
This term carries a strong sense of moral indignation and warning. It is used exclusively to describe businesses that engage in predatory pricing or deceptive practices, rather than just being expensive. The imagery of a temple where one is robbed evokes a sense of betrayal, as if the business is hiding behind a facade of legitimacy.
Measure word
gaan1間gānExamples
This shop charges so much, it's basically a total rip-off.
Related words
Common phrases
a total rip-off
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a business that is simply high-end or expensive due to quality. It specifically implies that the customer is being cheated or exploited.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
