wo4 soeng2 daam1 ze1和尚擔遮和尚担遮
Jyutpingwo4 soeng2 daam1 ze1
Yalewòh séung dāam jē
Definition
To defy all laws and rules; completely lawless.
colloquialother
How it's used
This is a classic Cantonese xiehouyu, a two-part allegorical saying where the second part is often omitted in casual speech. The humor relies on the pun between 髮, meaning hair, and 法, meaning law. By saying a monk has no hair, you imply there is no law.
Examples
He is acting so excessively, he is just completely lawless.
Related words
Common phrases
Monk holding an umbrella, no hair no heaven (completely lawless)
Common mistake
Do not use this in formal or professional settings, as it is a colorful, idiomatic expression that sounds very informal. It is best reserved for criticizing someone's behavior among friends or peers.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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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.
