saau3 ngaa4哨牙
Jyutpingsaau3 ngaa4
Yalesaau ngàh
Definition
Buck teeth; protruding upper front teeth or an overbite.
colloquialbodyhealth
How it's used
Used primarily to describe a physical trait where the upper front teeth protrude significantly. While it can be used descriptively, be aware that it is often perceived as a blunt or slightly teasing remark when directed at someone's appearance. It is much more common in casual conversation than clinical terms like 牙齒突出.
Examples
He had a bit of an overbite when he was a kid.
Do you need to get braces? It seems like it's hard to clean protruding teeth.
Related words
Common phrases
buck-toothed girl
Common mistake
Avoid using this term in professional or formal settings, as it can sound derogatory or rude. It is strictly a colloquial descriptor and not a medical diagnosis.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
