刻薄
hak1 bok6
In Cantonese, the term for 'mean' is 刻薄 (hak1 bok6).
The term 刻薄 carries the meaning of being unkind or harsh towards others.
Meaning: of a word: to signify (verb)
How do you pronounce it?
hak1 bok6
Did you know?
- The term 刻 (hak1) in this phrase can also mean 'to carve' or 'to engrave', suggesting that the person's unkindness is as sharp and biting as a carving tool.
- The word 薄 (bok6) in 刻薄 literally translates to 'thin' or 'shallow', implying that a mean person lacks depth or generosity in spirit.
- The term 刻薄 is frequently used in Cantonese opera and period dramas to describe a 'mean' mother-in-law, a common trope in traditional family dynamics.
Examples in context
- 他對別人總是刻薄He is always mean to others.
- 那個人心狠手辣，從來不留餘地That person is mean and ruthless, never leaving any room for compromise.
- 我好憎佢㗎I really dislike him/her.
- 佢好慳錢，從來唔肯請客He/she is mean and never treats others.
- 我好憎佢到爆I really hate him/her.
