渣
zaa1
The English word 'lousy' is expressed in Cantonese as 渣 (zaa1).
The term 渣 is used to describe something that is remarkably bad, of poor quality, dirty or underhanded.
Meaning: remarkably bad, of poor quality, dirty, or underhanded (adj)
Which one should you use?
Depending on the context, other terms may be more appropriate. Use 差勁 to describe something that is disappointing or of poor quality, and 不佳 to express that something is unsatisfactory. In colloquial settings, you can use 爛 to say something is terrible or awful or 冇水準 to indicate that something lacks standards or quality.
How do you pronounce it?
zaa1
Did you know?
- If someone's work is 'lousy' because it lacks skill, Cantonese speakers often use 差勁 (caa1 ging6), which can be a double-edged sword. While it often means 'bad', in certain contexts or tones, it can actually mean 'formidable' or 'impressive'.
- The phrase 冇水準 literally means 'no water level'. In Cantonese, 'water level' is a metaphor for the standard of quality or professional skill.
- The term 渣男 specifically describes a 'player' or a man who emotionally manipulates women, focusing on moral rot rather than general incompetence.
Examples in context
- 呢個酒店服務真差勁。The service at this hotel is really lousy.
- 今次用嘅產品真係好垃圾。This product I used this time is really lousy.
- 呢個公司冇水準。This company lacks standards.
- 佢做嘢真係好渣。keoi5 zou6 je5 zan1 hai6 hou2 caa1.He does his work in a very lousy way.
