mung2 zai2 bou6懵仔簿
Definition
An official record or file indicating that a prisoner is mentally ill.
How it's used
Originally referring to specific medical records for inmates in Hong Kong prisons, this term has evolved into a common piece of slang used to describe someone who is acting foolishly or behaving in a way that suggests they are not in their right mind. It carries a strong sense of mockery and is often used as a rhetorical question to challenge someone's questionable decision making. Because it touches on mental health, it is considered insensitive and should be used with caution outside of very informal settings.
Measure word
bun2本búnExamples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal medical term, but it is highly colloquial and derogatory in everyday speech. Using it in a professional or clinical context would be considered extremely inappropriate and offensive.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
