ngau4 pei4 hei3牛脾氣牛脾气
Jyutpingngau4 pei4 hei3
Yalengàuh pèih hei
Definition
Stubborn, obstinate, and hot-tempered disposition.
colloquialemotionpeople
How it's used
This term specifically captures a combination of stubbornness and a short, explosive temper. It is often used to describe someone who is not just refusing to listen, but is actively lashing out or acting unreasonably because they are frustrated. The imagery of a bull highlights the uncontrollable and aggressive nature of the behavior.
Measure word
pou1鋪pōuExamples
He is throwing another tantrum, nobody can persuade him.
Why are you being so stubborn all of a sudden?
Related words
Common phrases
to throw a tantrum / to act bullheaded
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for simple stubbornness, but it carries a stronger connotation of being hot-headed or difficult to deal with. It is not just about having a firm opinion, but about the emotional outburst that accompanies the refusal to change.
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.
