me2 ling4 me2 cing3歪零歪秤
Jyutpingme2 ling4 me2 cing3
Yalemé lìhng mé ching
Definition
Crooked, slanted, tilted, or leaning to one side; uneven and lopsided.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
This expression is a vivid, reduplicated descriptive term used to emphasize a lack of alignment or symmetry. It is particularly common when describing physical objects that are visibly tilted or poorly positioned, such as a picture frame or a shelf. The rhythmic nature of the four-character structure adds a sense of frustration or annoyance regarding the untidiness.
Examples
Your photo frame is hanging crookedly, help me straighten it.
Why is your handwriting all slanted and crooked?
Related words
Common phrases
to write in a slanted and messy way
to hang something crookedly
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simple adjectives like 斜, as 歪零歪秤 specifically implies a messy or unsightly degree of crookedness that suggests a lack of care.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
