pou4 lau5蒲柳
Jyutpingpou4 lau5
Yalepòuh láuh
Definition
Big catkin willow, a species of willow tree.
writtenhealthdescriptions
How it's used
Refers specifically to a fragile or sickly constitution, often used in the idiom 蒲柳之質. It carries a literary and slightly old-fashioned tone, rarely appearing in casual conversation unless one is making a deliberate point about someone's lack of physical robustness. It draws on the imagery of the willow, which is traditionally associated with softness and delicacy in Chinese culture.
Examples
He is as frail as a willow, falling over with a gust of wind.
Your body is so weak, you really have a fragile constitution.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe actual trees in a botanical sense, as it is almost exclusively used metaphorically to describe a person's health or physical strength.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Adjective
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
