mou4 gu3無故无故
Jyutpingmou4 gu3
Yalemòuh gu
Definition
Without reason; for no reasonable cause; out of the blue.
neutraldaily actionsdescriptions
How it's used
Focuses on actions that occur suddenly and lack any apparent justification or logical cause. While it functions as a formal adverb in written contexts, it is frequently used in speech to describe behavior that feels erratic or confusing to the observer. It carries a stronger sense of being unprovoked or inexplicable compared to simply saying something happened by accident.
Examples
He lost his temper for no reason and scared all his colleagues.
Why didn't you go to work for no reason, are you sick?
Related words
Common phrases
absent without reason
disappear without a trace
Common mistake
Avoid confusing this with 無啦啦, which is much more informal and carries a stronger sense of surprise or annoyance at the randomness of an event. 無故 is more neutral and suitable for describing professional or serious situations, whereas 無啦啦 is strictly for casual conversation.
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.
