爛
laan6
In Cantonese, the word for broken is 爛 (laan6).
The term 爛 implies something is physically smashed or structurally ruined.
Meaning: not working properly (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 爛 literally means rotten, smashed or broken into pieces.
Which one should you use?
While 爛 implies something is physically smashed or structurally ruined, 壞 is more commonly used for mechanical or electronic devices that have stopped functioning. Additionally, the informal term 破 can also be used to mean broken.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Hong Kong, the term 壞咗 is commonly used instead of 坏掉 to convey the idea of something being broken or not working.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say something is currently in a broken state, you often add the aspect marker 咗 to indicate the change of state.
How do you pronounce it?
laan6
Did you know?
- Calling someone a 'broken person' using 爛 is an insult implying they are 'worthless' or 'bad'.
- The word 爛 is used in slang to describe feeling 'exhausted' or 'spent', which is very similar to the British English term 'shattered'.
- If you describe a musical performance as 爛, you are calling the quality 'trashy' or 'terrible' rather than saying the equipment is broken.
Examples in context
- 呢個玻璃杯破裂咗。This glass cup is broken.
- 部手機爛咗。bou6 sau2 faai2 laan6 zo2.The mobile phone is broken.
- 把把遮都爛咗。baa2 baa2 ze1 dou1 laan6 zo2.All the umbrellas are broken.
