ngaau5 mai5咬米
Jyutpingngaau5 mai5
Yalengáauh máih
Definition
To eat.
colloquialfoodslang
How it's used
This term is a playful, slightly humorous way to refer to eating, similar to saying "grab a bite" in English. It is mostly used among friends or peers in informal settings and carries a lighthearted tone that makes it sound less formal than just saying 食飯. It is not appropriate for professional or serious contexts where a neutral tone is expected.
Examples
I'm hungry, I want to find a place to eat.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this term in formal settings or when speaking to superiors, as it can sound overly casual or even disrespectful depending on the situation. It is strictly a slang expression for eating and should not be used in written reports or professional communication.
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.
