suk1 tau4 gwai1縮頭龜缩头龟

Jyutpingsuk1 tau4 gwai1

Yalesūk tàuh gwāi

名詞

Definition

A coward; someone who shrinks back or hides when facing trouble.

colloquialpeopleanimals

How it's used

This term carries a strong sense of contempt and is used to mock someone who avoids responsibility or confrontation. It is more vivid and aggressive than simply calling someone a coward. While 縮頭烏龜 is also common, 縮頭龜 is a slightly more concise and punchy version used in everyday arguments.

Measure word

zek3隻jek

Examples

nei5你zou6做me1咩suk1縮tau4頭gwai1龜gam3咁joeng2樣，jau5有si6事zau6就kei5企ceot1出lai4嚟gong2講laa1啦。

Why are you acting like a coward? If there is an issue, stand up and speak about it.

keoi5佢ping4平si4時hou2好ci5似hou2好wai1威，dim2點zi1知jat1一jau5有maa4麻faan4煩zau6就bin3變zo2咗zek3隻suk1縮tau4頭gwai1龜。

He usually acts so tough, but who knew he would turn into a coward as soon as there was trouble.

Common phrases

zou6做suk1縮tau4頭gwai1龜

to act like a coward

zing3正jat1一suk1縮tau4頭gwai1龜

what a total coward

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with simply being shy or quiet. It specifically implies a lack of courage or a refusal to face a challenge, so using it on someone who is just introverted would be considered quite rude and insulting.