nei5 gam3 cyun3 zou6 mat1 je5 ze1你咁寸做乜嘢啫
Jyutpingnei5 gam3 cyun3 zou6 mat1 je5 ze1
Yalenéih gam chyun jouh māt yéh jē
Definition
Why are you being so arrogant, cocky, or provocative?
colloquialpeopleslang
How it's used
寸 describes someone who acts superior, cocky, or intentionally provocative to get a rise out of others. It is a quintessential Hong Kong slang term that carries a strong sense of social disapproval. While it can describe a personality trait, it is most frequently used as an accusation during a confrontation to call out someone's disrespectful attitude.
Examples
Why are you being so arrogant? We are all friends.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the measurement unit 寸, which refers to an inch. The slang usage is strictly an adjective describing behavior or attitude.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
