ngau6吽
Jyutpingngau6
Yalengauh
Definition
Dull, sluggish, or lacking energy and spirit.
colloquialbodydescriptions
How it's used
Often used in the reduplicated form 吽下吽下 to emphasize a state of being dazed or physically sluggish. It carries a slightly negative connotation, implying that the person is not functioning at their normal capacity due to fatigue or lack of focus. It is distinct from being lazy, as it specifically highlights a lack of vitality or mental alertness.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 吽 as in 吽氣, which refers to a feeling of being stifled or suffocated in a hot, poorly ventilated environment. When describing a person, it strictly refers to their energy level or mental state.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
