seoi1 gwo3 tau1 maau1衰過偷貓衰过偷猫
Jyutpingseoi1 gwo3 tau1 maau1
Yalesēui gwo tāu māau
Definition
Good-for-nothing; unable to achieve anything great or make a success of oneself.
colloquialpeopleslang
How it's used
This idiom carries a strong sense of contempt and disappointment, often used to criticize someone for lacking ambition or being a complete loser. It implies that the person is so pathetic that they cannot even manage the most basic or petty tasks, let alone achieve anything meaningful. It is a very colorful and culturally specific way to label someone as a total failure.
Examples
You are so unmotivated at work, you really are a total failure.
He only knows how to play video games all day, is he really that hopeless?
Related words
Common phrases
really a total failure
Common mistake
Do not take the literal meaning about stealing cats seriously, as it has nothing to do with actual theft or animals. It is purely a figurative expression for being incompetent or lazy.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
