saan3 sau1 sau1散修修
Jyutpingsaan3 sau1 sau1
Yalesaan sāu sāu
Definition
Messy, disorganized, or scattered in pieces; not kept together properly.
colloquialdaily actionsdescriptions
How it's used
Focuses on the visual state of items that have lost their intended order or structure. It is frequently used to describe a room or desk that is cluttered, but it also works perfectly for mechanical objects that have been taken apart or broken into scattered components. The reduplicated structure adds a sense of emphasis, suggesting a chaotic or neglected state.
Examples
Your room is a total mess with clothes everywhere, hurry up and tidy it up.
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe abstract concepts or emotional states, as it is strictly reserved for physical objects and their spatial arrangement. It is not interchangeable with 亂七八糟, which is more versatile and can apply to situations or plans.
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.
