seoi1 lou2衰佬
Jyutpingseoi1 lou2
Yalesēui lóu
Definition
A term of address for a man expressing genuine or playful irritation; a rascal, jerk, or pain.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
Carries a strong sense of intimacy or familiarity, making it inappropriate for strangers or superiors. It functions as a versatile label that can range from genuine frustration to playful teasing between partners or close friends. Using it on someone you do not know well can easily be perceived as aggressive or rude.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
You rascal, did you forget to buy groceries again?
That guy is such a pain, he always likes to go missing.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 衰人, which is a more serious accusation of someone being a bad or immoral person. 衰佬 is specifically gendered for men and often implies a level of exasperation rather than a moral judgment.
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.
