san4 zou2 lau4 lau4晨早流流
Jyutpingsan4 zou2 lau4 lau4
Yalesàhn jóu làuh làuh
Definition
Early in the morning, typically used when describing an undesirable event or annoyance.
colloquialtimedaily actions
How it's used
This phrase carries a strong sense of annoyance or disbelief regarding the timing of an event. It is almost exclusively used to complain about something happening when it is considered too early for such activity. The inclusion of the reduplicated character 流 emphasizes the speaker's irritation with the early hour.
Examples
Why are you calling me so early in the morning?
He is throwing a tantrum so early in the morning.
Related words
Common phrases
making noise so early in the morning
Common mistake
Do not use this phrase to describe a positive or neutral event, such as waking up early to enjoy a sunrise or going for a morning jog. It is strictly reserved for situations where the early timing is perceived as a nuisance.
Grammar color guide
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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.
