mun5 gong1 hung4滿江紅满江红
Jyutpingmun5 gong1 hung4
Yalemúhn gōng hùhng
Definition
A classic Ci poetry tune name, or a figurative term for very poor exam results with many failing grades in red.
- literarya traditional Chinese Ci poetry tune name
- figurativepoor exam results with many failing marks shown in red
colloquialschooldescriptions
How it's used
Originally referring to a classical Chinese poetic form, this term has evolved into a common metaphor for academic failure in Hong Kong. It draws on the practice of teachers using red ink to mark failing grades on report cards, creating a visual effect of a sea of red. It is almost exclusively used in the context of school performance rather than general business or professional failure.
Examples
He got failing grades in all his subjects this time, his mom will definitely scold him when he gets home.
nei5你zoi3再gam3咁joeng6樣laan5懶saan2散lok6落heoi3去，haa6下ci3次sing4成zik1績biu2表dim2點wui2會m4唔mun5滿gong1江hung4紅aa1呀？
If you keep being this lazy, how could your next report card not be full of failing marks?
Related words
Common phrases
failing grades across the board
Common mistake
Do not use this term to describe general bad luck or financial losses, as it is strictly tied to the visual imagery of red marks on a student's report card.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
