zou2 tau2 laa1早抖啦
Jyutpingzou2 tau2 laa1
Yalejóu táu lā
Definition
Goodnight, or a slang command to shut up or give up.
- goodnight; rest early
- slangshut up; go away; stop talking nonsense
colloquialcommunicationslang
How it's used
Originally a polite way to tell someone to get some rest, this phrase has evolved into a dismissive retort. It functions as a blunt way to tell someone that their opinion is worthless or that they should stop bothering you. Using it effectively requires a dismissive tone, as it signals that the conversation is over because the other person has nothing of value to contribute.
Examples
You are talking nonsense, shut up!
He is still making noise, why not tell him to shut up.
Related words
Common phrases
tell someone to shut up
Common mistake
Do not use this phrase in a professional or formal setting, as it is inherently rude and confrontational. It is strictly for casual, heated, or dismissive exchanges between peers.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
