siu1 waai6 ngaa5燒壞瓦烧坏瓦
Jyutpingsiu1 waai6 ngaa5
Yalesīu waaih ngáh
Definition
Unsociable or eccentric; difficult to get along with.
slangpeopleslang
How it's used
Refers to someone who is socially awkward, withdrawn, or unwilling to interact with others. The imagery comes from a kiln-fired tile that has been ruined or cracked during the firing process, implying the person is somehow defective or 'off' in their social behavior. It carries a slightly mocking or pitying tone rather than being a neutral description.
Examples
He is like a broken tile, never saying a word.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe someone who is simply shy or quiet, as it implies a more active or noticeable lack of social engagement that others find strange or difficult to deal with.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
