zyu3 mai5 daai6 cung4蛀米大蟲蛀米大虫
Jyutpingzyu3 mai5 daai6 cung4
Yalejyu máih daaih chùhng
Definition
An idle person who does nothing but eat, or lives as a sponger and parasite on others.
colloquialpeopledaily actions
How it's used
This term carries a strong sense of disapproval and frustration, often used by parents or older relatives to criticize someone who is lazy or unproductive. It paints a vivid picture of a pest that consumes resources without contributing anything back to the household. While it can be used in a slightly teasing way among close friends, it is generally a harsh label for someone seen as a burden.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He is always being a parasite at home, it is so infuriating.
Related words
Common phrases
to be a parasite
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply being unemployed. It specifically implies a lack of effort or ambition to change one's situation, rather than just the state of not having a job.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
