ngau4 pei4 dang1 lung4牛皮燈籠牛皮灯笼
Jyutpingngau4 pei4 dang1 lung4
Yalengàuh pèih dāng lùhng
Definition
A stupid and stubborn person who never understands no matter how much they are told.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This is a classic Cantonese riddle phrase where the second half of the pun is implied rather than stated. The full expression is 牛皮燈籠，點極唔明, which translates to oxhide lantern, no matter how you light it, it will not shine. It is used to mock someone who is perceived as dense or intentionally obstinate.
Examples
He is like an oxhide lantern; no matter how much you explain, he just doesn't get it.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this phrase in a professional setting or with someone you do not know well, as it is a direct and harsh insult to someone's intelligence.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
