zan6 guk1 zi2 laan6 zi1 maa4陳穀子爛芝麻陈谷子烂芝麻
Jyutpingzan6 guk1 zi2 laan6 zi1 maa4
Yalejahn gūk jí laahn jī màh
Definition
Old, trivial gossip or unimportant matters from the past.
colloquialcommunicationpeople
How it's used
This idiom carries a strong sense of annoyance or impatience toward someone dwelling on the past. It is specifically used to dismiss complaints or gossip that have been repeated too many times to be relevant. It functions as a noun phrase that labels the content of the conversation as stale and bothersome.
Examples
He is bringing up those old, irrelevant stories again.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal description of food, but it is strictly metaphorical. It should not be used to describe historical events that are actually significant or worth remembering.
Grammar color guide
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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.
