waat6 ngaa4滑牙
Jyutpingwaat6 ngaa4
Yalewaaht ngàh
Definition
To strip a screw, or figuratively to be worn out or exhausted from overwork.
- of a screw, to strip its thread
- figurativeto be physically or mentally worn out from overworking
colloquialworkother
How it's used
Beyond the literal meaning of a stripped screw, this term is frequently used metaphorically to describe someone who is completely burnt out or exhausted. It captures the feeling of spinning one's wheels without making any progress, much like a screwdriver slipping in a damaged screw head. When used this way, it implies that the person has reached their limit and can no longer function effectively.
Examples
The screw is stripped, no matter how I twist it, it won't come out.
If you keep twisting with that much force, it will strip.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply having a loose tooth, which would be described as 牙鬆. The term specifically refers to the mechanical failure of a screw or, figuratively, to human exhaustion.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
