tip3 co3 mun4 san4貼錯門神贴错门神
Jyutpingtip3 co3 mun4 san4
Yaletip cho mùhn sàhn
Definition
To have a hostile or estranged relationship, resembling door gods pasted facing away from each other.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
Refers to a state of mutual hostility or a cold atmosphere between two people who refuse to interact. It stems from the traditional practice of pasting door god portraits on entrance doors, which are designed to face each other; if pasted incorrectly, they face away, symbolizing a lack of communication or a falling out.
Examples
Why are you looking so grumpy today, as if you've got a chip on your shoulder?
The two of them are hostile to each other the moment they meet, they have absolutely nothing to talk about.
Related words
Common phrases
like being at odds with someone
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a simple disagreement or a one-sided argument. It specifically implies a persistent, visible tension or a mutual refusal to engage, often characterized by a sour expression or cold shoulder.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
