mut6 jung6沒用没用
Jyutpingmut6 jung6
Yalemuht yuhng
Definition
Useless, helpless, or incompetent.
colloquialdescriptionspeople
How it's used
While 冇用 can describe an object that is non-functional, it is frequently used to describe a person as incompetent or pathetic. When applied to people, it carries a strong sense of disappointment or judgment regarding their character or ability to handle responsibilities. It is much more common than the formal 沒用 in spoken Cantonese.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 冇用處, which strictly refers to the lack of utility of an object. Using 冇用 to describe a person is quite harsh and can be perceived as an insult, so avoid using it unless you intend to be critical.
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.
