ngau4 geng2牛頸牛颈
Jyutpingngau4 geng2
Yalengàuh géng
Definition
Stubborn; pigheaded; obstinate.
colloquialdescriptionspeople
How it's used
牛頸 describes someone who is inflexibly set in their ways, much like a bull that refuses to be led. It is often used to criticize someone who stubbornly persists in a wrong decision despite clear evidence or advice. While it shares the same meaning as 硬頸, it carries a slightly more vivid, metaphorical flavor by evoking the image of a bull's thick, unyielding neck.
Examples
He is so stubborn, he won't listen no matter how you persuade him.
Related words
Common phrases
as stubborn as a mule
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the literal anatomical term for a bull's neck, which is also written as 牛頸. Context usually makes it clear whether you are describing a person's personality or a piece of meat at the butcher shop.
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.
