paa3 cau2怕醜怕丑
Jyutpingpaa3 cau2
Yalepa cháu
Definition
Shy or bashful; to feel nervous and uncomfortable around other people, especially strangers.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
Describes a social awkwardness or reticence when interacting with strangers or in unfamiliar settings. It is frequently used to encourage children to greet adults or to tease someone who is being overly reserved in a social situation.
Examples
He was very shy when he was little, he would hide whenever he saw people.
Why are you being so shy? Be more confident!
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 驚, which means to be afraid or scared of something dangerous. Using 怕醜 to describe fear of a spider or a dark room is incorrect as it specifically relates to social interaction.
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.
