zong1髒脏
Jyutpingzong1
Yalejōng
Definition
Dirty; filthy; soiled.
colloquialdescriptionsdaily actions
How it's used
污糟 is the standard, everyday term for dirty in Cantonese, replacing the Mandarin 髒 entirely in speech. It is highly versatile and can describe physical objects, messy environments, or even metaphorical situations involving corruption or moral impurity. When used to describe a person, it often implies they are unkempt or have been playing in the dirt.
Related words
Common phrases
filthy and unkempt
to make everything dirty
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use 髒 because of Mandarin influence, but it sounds unnatural or overly formal in a Cantonese context. Always use 污糟 to sound like a local.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
