zou1 daap6糟蹋
Jyutpingzou1 daap6
Yalejōu daahp
Definition
To waste, ruin, or treat something with careless abuse.
colloquialdaily actionsemotion
How it's used
Carries a strong sense of moral disapproval or regret, implying that the object being ruined had value or deserved better treatment. It is frequently used when someone is being reckless with resources, health, or even their own talent. The tone is much heavier than simply saying someone is wasteful.
Examples
Don't waste the food.
It's really not worth it for him to ruin his own health like that.
Related words
Common phrases
to waste food
to squander someone's hard work
Common mistake
Often confused with 浪費, which focuses specifically on the act of wasting resources. 糟蹋 implies a more destructive or disrespectful attitude towards the object, almost as if you are mistreating or trampling upon it.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
