zing1 saang1 gwaa1蒸生瓜

Jyutpingzing1 saang1 gwaa1

Yalejīng sāng gwā

Definition

(noun) a female who is not mature enough and not elegant enough; (adjective) slow witted

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

keoi5 gam3 daai6 go3 jan4 zung6 hai6 zing1 saang1 gwaa1 gam3 joeng2

佢咁大個人仲係蒸生瓜咁樣。

He is so old but still acts so immaturely.

nei5 gei2 si4 sin1 hang2 daai6 go3 zai2 aa4 sing4 go3 zing1 saang1 gwaa1 gam3

你幾時先肯大個仔呀？成個蒸生瓜咁。

When will you grow up? You are acting like a child.

Common phrases

sing4 go3 zing1 saang1 gwaa1

成個蒸生瓜

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.