mou5 gaa1 gaau3冇家教
Jyutpingmou5 gaa1 gaau3
Yalemóuh gā gaau
Definition
To have bad manners, lack proper upbringing, or be poorly behaved.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
This phrase is a strong personal attack that targets someone's upbringing rather than just their specific action. It implies that the person's parents or guardians failed to teach them basic social norms. Because it is highly offensive and confrontational, it is usually reserved for serious situations where someone has committed a significant breach of etiquette.
Examples
It is really rude of him to interrupt like that.
Why are you being so ill-mannered?
Common phrases
to call someone ill-mannered
to be scolded for having no manners
Common mistake
Avoid using this phrase in casual or lighthearted situations, as it is considered a severe insult to the person's family background. It is not a synonym for simply being naughty or mischievous.
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.
