tan1 zo2 fo2 joek6吞咗火藥吞咗火药
Jyutpingtan1 zo2 fo2 joek6
Yaletān jó fó yeuhk
Definition
Irritable, angry, or short-tempered; to lose one's temper easily.
colloquialemotion
How it's used
This idiom describes someone who is unusually irritable or aggressive, as if they have ingested something explosive. It is frequently used to describe someone who snaps at others without a clear provocation. The phrase captures the suddenness and intensity of a person's bad mood.
Examples
He seems like he swallowed gunpowder today, he is very hot-tempered when he speaks.
Why are you acting like you swallowed gunpowder? Why are you so angry?
Related words
Common phrases
to speak with a lot of hostility
to be angry for no reason
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is simply sad or quiet, as it specifically refers to an outward display of anger or hostility. It is also not used to describe a permanent personality trait, but rather a temporary state of being.
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.
