sap6 jyut6 gaai3 coi3十月芥菜
Definition
Having a romantic interest in someone; a young person's awakening of romantic or sexual desire.
How it's used
This is a classic Cantonese xiehouyu, or two-part allegorical saying, where the second part is implied. It refers to mustard greens harvested in October, which are known for being particularly prone to flowering or bolting, metaphorically representing a person whose heart is beginning to bloom with romantic interest. It is often used in a teasing or slightly gossipy tone when someone suddenly starts acting flirty or showing signs of being infatuated.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a mature or long-term relationship, as it specifically implies the initial, often sudden, awakening of romantic feelings or a 'crush'. It is also considered informal and slightly cheeky, so avoid using it in professional or serious settings.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
