seoi2 zau2水酒
Jyutpingseoi2 zau2
Yaleséui jáu
Definition
Watery wine; a modest term used by a host to describe their own wine when serving guests.
colloquialdrinkother
How it's used
Employing this term is a classic display of traditional Chinese modesty when hosting guests. By downplaying the quality of the alcohol as merely watery, the host effectively lowers expectations and shows respect to the visitor. It is strictly used as a self-deprecating expression and should never be used to describe someone else's hospitality.
Measure word
bui1杯būiExamples
I have prepared some wine today, I hope you do not mind it.
This is just some humble wine, I wonder if it suits your taste?
Related words
Common phrases
to prepare some humble wine
to prepare a little humble wine
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe actual low-quality or diluted alcohol, as it would be taken as a genuine insult to the host if you were the guest.
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.
