saang1 sau3生鏽生锈

Jyutpingsaang1 sau3

Yalesāang sau

動詞

Definition

To rust, or to become rusty and out of practice with a skill.

to rust; for metal objects to oxidize and form rust on the surface
figurativeto get rusty or out of practice; to lose proficiency in a skill

colloquialdaily actionsdescriptions

How it's used

Beyond the literal chemical process of metal oxidation, this term is frequently used metaphorically to describe a decline in proficiency due to lack of practice. It carries a sense of being "out of shape" or "stiff" when returning to a previously mastered activity. When used for objects, it often implies neglect or long-term exposure to moisture.

Examples

le1呢baa2把gaau3鉸zin2剪saang1生saai3晒鏽，sau3剪zin2唔m4到dou3嘢je5喇。

These scissors are all rusty and can't cut anything anymore.

hou2好noi6耐mou5冇lin6練kam4琴，zek3隻sau2手dou1都saang1生sau3鏽lo3囉。

I haven't practiced piano for a long time, my skills have gotten rusty.

Common phrases

saang1生saai3晒鏽

completely rusted over

saang1生sau3鏽tit3鐵

rusty iron

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with 生疏, which specifically refers to the feeling of being unfamiliar with a person or a social situation. While both can describe a loss of skill, 生鏽 is more mechanical and physical, whereas 生疏 is social or cognitive.