seoi1 paai2衰牌
Jyutpingseoi1 paai2
Yalesēui páai
Definition
Bad cards, or by extension, shameful, disgraceful, or disappointing behavior.
- bad cards
- figurativeshameful; disgraceful; disappointing; poor
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
Originating from card games where a player is dealt a losing hand, this term has evolved into a metaphorical way to describe a person who is unreliable, a situation that has gone wrong, or someone who has brought shame upon themselves. It carries a strong sense of disappointment or social disapproval. Unlike simply saying someone is bad, it implies that the person or situation is fundamentally flawed or has failed to meet basic expectations.
Examples
He really messed up this time, making the whole thing very awkward.
Related words
Common phrases
to be a disgraceful person
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply having bad luck. While it can refer to a literal bad hand, using it to describe a person implies they are a disgrace or a loser, which can be quite insulting.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
