sei2 zing6 baa2 hau2死剩把口
Definition
To have nothing left but one's mouth; describing someone who is stubborn and refuses to admit defeat, or who is good for nothing but talking.
How it's used
This idiom paints a vivid picture of someone who has lost everything in a metaphorical battle except for their mouth, which they continue to use to provoke others. It is specifically used to criticize people who are stubborn and refuse to concede even when they are clearly in the wrong. The tone is quite harsh and confrontational, so it is usually reserved for expressing strong annoyance or frustration with someone's attitude.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is simply talkative or eloquent. It specifically implies a negative, stubborn, and argumentative quality where the person is refusing to accept reality or defeat.
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.
