zi6 zaau1自嘲
Jyutpingzi6 zaau1
Yalejih jāau
Definition
To mock oneself, downplay one's abilities, or self-deprecate.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
Using this term often signals a high level of social intelligence in Hong Kong culture, as it is seen as a way to lower one's own status to make others feel more comfortable. It is distinct from being genuinely insecure, as it requires a degree of confidence to laugh at one's own flaws in public. It is frequently used to diffuse awkward situations or to show humility after receiving a compliment.
Examples
He loves self-deprecating and is always making jokes about himself.
Why do you need to put yourself down? You actually did a great job.
Related words
Common phrases
appropriate self-deprecation
to have a bit of a self-deprecating moment
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with being self-critical or feeling inferior. Remember that it is an intentional social strategy used for humor or humility, not a statement of one's actual low self-esteem.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
