to4 seoi1 gaa1陀衰家
Jyutpingto4 seoi1 gaa1
Yaletòh sēui gā
Definition
Someone who ruins their family's fortune or reputation, or brings shame and trouble to those around them.
colloquialpeoplefamily
How it's used
This term carries a heavy, judgmental tone, implying that the person is not just a nuisance but a source of shame or financial ruin for their household. It is often used to describe someone who is lazy, addicted to gambling, or constantly causing trouble for their relatives. Calling someone this is a very strong insult that attacks their character and their value to their family unit.
Examples
He gambles all the time, he is such a disgrace to the family.
Related words
Common phrases
a total disgrace to the family
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply being poor or unlucky. It specifically implies that the person is an active drain on resources or a source of public embarrassment for their family, rather than someone who is just struggling through no fault of their own.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
