paa3 cau2 cou2怕醜草怕丑草
Jyutpingpaa3 cau2 cou2
Yalepa cháu chóu
Definition
Shameplant or mimosa (Mimosa pudica); a tropical plant whose leaves fold inward when touched.
colloquialnature
How it's used
The name literally translates to shy grass, reflecting the plant's unique reflex of folding its leaves inward when physically disturbed. It is a common childhood curiosity in Hong Kong, often found in wild patches or rural areas. While it is a specific botanical species, the name is used colloquially by everyone to describe this exact behavior.
Measure word
po1樖pōExamples
The shameplants here curl up as soon as you touch them, they are so cute.
Did you ever play with shameplants when you were a kid?
Related words
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.
