ngau4 ziu6 maau5 daan1牛𡁻牡丹
Jyutpingngau4 ziu6 maau5 daan1
Yalengàuh jiuh máauh dāan
Definition
To fail to appreciate or value fine things; to cast pearls before swine.
colloquialotherdescriptions
How it's used
This expression relies on the image of a cow grazing on a peony, which is a beautiful flower, treating it as mere fodder. It is used to criticize someone who fails to appreciate the value, quality, or artistry of something special. The phrase is often used when someone treats high-quality items or experiences with indifference or carelessness.
Examples
Using such expensive tea leaves to make tea eggs is a total waste.
keoi5佢sung3送zi1支ming4名paai4牌hoeng1香seoi2水bei2畀nei5你，nei5你ging2竟jin4然lo2攞lai4嚟pan3噴ci3廁so2所？zan1真hai6係ngau2牛𡁻maau5牡daan1丹aa4呀。
They gave you designer perfume and you use it to spray the toilet? That is really casting pearls before swine.
Related words
Common phrases
simply a waste of good things
truly a waste of something fine
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is simply uneducated or unintelligent. It specifically targets a lack of appreciation for quality or a failure to recognize the worth of something fine.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
