wu1 li1 maa5 caa5污哩馬查污哩马查
Jyutpingwu1 li1 maa5 caa5
Yalewū lī máh cháh
Definition
To be in a complete mess, in total chaos, or highly disorganized.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
This four character idiom carries a strong sense of visual disorder or lack of hygiene. It is often used to describe physical spaces like bedrooms or desks, but can also apply to poorly organized work or projects. The rhythm of the phrase adds a layer of frustration or judgment from the speaker.
Examples
Your room is a total mess, hurry up and tidy it up.
The whole document is a complete disaster, how am I supposed to hand it to the boss?
Related words
Common phrases
to make something a total mess
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a person who is mentally confused or forgetful. It is strictly for describing the state of objects, environments, or tasks that are disorganized or dirty.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
