se4蛇
Jyutpingse4
Yalesèh
Definition
Snake; serpent.
colloquialanimalsslang
How it's used
Beyond the literal meaning of the reptile, this word is frequently used as a slang verb meaning to slack off or avoid work. When someone is caught idling or hiding to avoid their responsibilities, colleagues might say they are 蛇王. The term carries a negative connotation of being lazy or unreliable in a professional setting.
Measure word
tiu4條tìuhExamples
I saw a snake in the bushes, it scared me to death!
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse the literal animal with the slang usage of slacking off. Using 蛇 to describe a person who is simply quiet or shy is incorrect; it specifically implies an active attempt to shirk duties.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
