mou5 ngaa5 ze1 tau4冇瓦遮頭冇瓦遮头
Jyutpingmou5 ngaa5 ze1 tau4
Yalemóuh ngáh jē tàuh
Definition
Homeless; having no roof over one's head.
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
Evokes a strong sense of pity or social concern, as it focuses on the lack of basic security rather than just the absence of a house. It is often used to describe someone who has fallen on hard times due to bankruptcy, family conflict, or sudden disaster. The phrase carries a slightly dramatic tone, making it more impactful than simply saying someone is homeless.
Examples
He lost all his money and ended up homeless, which is really miserable.
Don't spend money recklessly, or you'll be in trouble if you end up with no roof over your head one day.
Related words
Common phrases
end up homeless
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is merely renting or living in a temporary apartment, as it implies a state of total destitution or being forced onto the streets.
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.
