ngau4 gou1 maa5 daai6牛高馬大牛高马大
Jyutpingngau4 gou1 maa5 daai6
Yalengàuh gōu máh daaih
Definition
Tall and big in stature; fully grown and no longer of a child's build.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Focuses on the contrast between physical maturity and actual behavior or responsibility. It is frequently used by parents or elders to scold someone who looks like an adult but acts like a child. While it literally references animals, it is strictly used for humans and carries a slightly critical or teasing tone.
Examples
You are already a grown man, do you still need your mom to tidy your room?
Related words
Common phrases
to grow up to be big and tall
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe animals even though it contains animal characters. It is exclusively reserved for describing the physical stature of people.
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.
