pou4 tou4葡萄
Jyutpingpou4 tou4
Yalepòuh tòuh
Definition
To envy or be jealous of someone for having something one cannot obtain.
colloquialemotionslang
How it's used
Originating from the fable of the fox and the grapes, this term functions as a verb to describe the feeling of envy towards someone else's success or possessions. It is a very common piece of internet slang that has crossed over into everyday spoken Cantonese. Using it effectively conveys a playful or slightly mocking tone, rather than a deep or malicious sense of resentment.
Examples
Seeing them go on a trip, I am really jealous.
Why do you need to be jealous that they have a new car to drive?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the literal fruit, which is more commonly referred to as 提子 in Cantonese. Using it as a verb is strictly colloquial and should be avoided in formal writing or professional settings.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
