zau2 haa6 po1走下坡
Jyutpingzau2 haa6 po1
Yalejáu hah pō
Definition
To worsen, decline, or deteriorate.
colloquialdescriptionswork
How it's used
Focuses on a gradual decline rather than a sudden collapse. It is frequently used to describe abstract concepts like career trajectories, economic conditions, or personal health rather than physical movement. The imagery of walking downhill implies a loss of momentum or status that is difficult to reverse.
Examples
His company's business has been going downhill lately.
Related words
Common phrases
the economy is in decline
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe physical movement down a slope, as it is strictly metaphorical in Cantonese. For literal walking downhill, use 落山 instead.
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.
