nou5 seon2 mei6 saang1 maai4腦囟未生埋脑囟未生埋
Jyutpingnou5 seon2 mei6 saang1 maai4
Yalenóuh séun meih sāang màaih
Definition
Childish, naive, or immature; literally referring to an unclosed fontanelle on a baby's head.
colloquialpeoplebody
How it's used
This expression uses the biological development of an infant's fontanelle as a metaphor for mental maturity. It is a sharp, critical way to tell someone that their behavior is beneath their actual age. Because it implies a lack of basic life experience or common sense, it is often used in arguments or when scolding someone for being gullible or reckless.
Examples
You are already quite old, are you still so immature?
He always does silly things, he is truly childish.
Related words
Common phrases
acting completely immature
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is simply having fun or being playful. It is a derogatory remark that specifically targets a lack of judgment or emotional development, so using it on a friend in a lighthearted context can easily cause offense.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
