wu1 zou1污糟
Jyutpingwu1 zou1
Yalewū jōu
Definition
Dirty; filthy; not clean.
colloquialdescriptionsdaily actions
How it's used
This is the most common and natural way to describe something as dirty in everyday speech. It carries a slightly stronger connotation of being unhygienic or messy compared to the more neutral term 唔乾淨. It is frequently used to describe physical objects, living spaces, or even personal hygiene.
Examples
Your hands are so dirty, go wash them quickly.
It is so filthy here, how can you bear to sit down?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with the Mandarin word 髒, but 污糟 is the standard colloquial term in Hong Kong. Do not use it to describe abstract concepts like corruption or moral impurity, as it is strictly reserved for physical dirtiness.
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.
