tung4 cau3銅臭铜臭
Jyutpingtung4 cau3
Yaletùhng chau
Definition
The stench of money; describing a mercenary person or an obsession with wealth.
colloquialmoneydescriptions
How it's used
Carries a strong negative connotation, implying that someone or something has lost its integrity or human touch in favor of financial gain. It is frequently used to criticize commercialization in fields that are traditionally considered noble or artistic, such as education or charity. The term effectively paints a picture of money as a physical substance that leaves a foul, lingering odor on one's character.
Examples
This company reeks of greed and doesn't care about the employees' feelings at all.
Do you think this plan is too profit-driven?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe someone who is simply rich or successful, as it specifically targets the moral corruption associated with prioritizing money above all else. It is not a neutral way to describe a business transaction.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
