zing1 saang1 gwaa1蒸生瓜
Jyutpingzing1 saang1 gwaa1
Yalejīng sāang gwā
Definition
Immature, childish, or silly; a pun referring to a raw gourd that is not steamed well.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This is a classic Cantonese riddle phrase where the first part implies the second. The literal image of a gourd that has not been steamed properly serves as a metaphor for someone who lacks social maturity or common sense. It is often used to tease friends or younger people who are behaving in a way that is not age appropriate.
Examples
He is so old but still acts so immaturely.
When will you grow up? You are acting like a child.
Related words
Common phrases
acting completely like an immature person
Common mistake
Do not use this phrase to describe actual food, as it is strictly a metaphorical insult for people. It is also considered quite informal and slightly rude, so avoid using it in professional or formal settings.
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.
