zaa1 dou1 mou5渣都冇
Jyutpingzaa1 dou1 mou5
Yalejā dōu móuh
Definition
To have nothing left, not even dregs or crumbs.
colloquialmoneydaily actions
How it's used
Emphasizes a total loss or complete depletion of resources, often used in contexts involving gambling, business failures, or greed. It functions as an idiomatic intensifier to show that even the most trivial remnants have been wiped out. The imagery comes from the idea of straining a liquid or solid until only the worthless residue remains, and here, even that is gone.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
to lose everything down to the last cent
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe abstract concepts like time or abstract feelings, as it is strictly reserved for tangible assets, money, or physical portions of something.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Particle
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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.
