seoi2 zing6 ngo4 fei1水靜鵝飛水静鹅飞
Jyutpingseoi2 zing6 ngo4 fei1
Yaleséui jihng ngòh fēi
Definition
Deserted and quiet, with virtually no customers or business.
colloquialworkdescriptions
How it's used
This idiom paints a vivid picture of absolute stillness, suggesting a place so empty that even the sound of a goose or fly would be noticeable. It is primarily used to describe commercial spaces like shops, restaurants, or malls that are suffering from a lack of foot traffic. While it can describe a quiet street, it is most impactful when highlighting a disappointing lack of business activity.
Examples
This shop is completely deserted today, not a single customer.
Related words
Common phrases
business is extremely slow
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a place that is simply peaceful or relaxing, as the term carries a negative connotation of poor business or a lack of vitality. It is specifically reserved for situations where people expect activity but find none.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
