sei3 bat1 zoeng6四不像
Jyutpingsei3 bat1 zoeng6
Yalesei bāt jeuhng
Definition
Père David's deer (Elaphurus davidianus); a mythical beast, or something that is neither one thing nor another.
- Père David's deer (Elaphurus davidianus)
- figurativean anomaly; something that is neither one thing nor another; a misfit
colloquialanimalsdescriptions
How it's used
Beyond the literal animal, this term is frequently used metaphorically to describe something that lacks a clear identity or structure. It often refers to a hybrid project or idea that combines elements from different sources but ends up failing to fit into any proper category. It carries a slightly derogatory tone when applied to work or plans.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
Your plan is just a complete mess.
Related words
Common phrases
simply a complete mess
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a literal hybrid animal in a scientific context, as it is strictly a cultural term. Using it to describe a person can be seen as insulting, implying they are confused or lack a clear sense of self.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
