臭
cau3
The Cantonese word for "stinky" is 臭 (cau3).
臭 is an adjective used to describe something that has a strong, unpleasant smell.
Meaning: having a strong, unpleasant smell (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that something is "very stinky", you add the adverb 好 before the adjective 臭. You can also use the informal phrase 臭爆咗 to mean "stinky to the extreme."
How do you pronounce it?
cau3
Did you know?
- Adding 臭 to a description of a person's face, such as 臭面, describes a sulking or grumpy expression.
- The word 臭 can function as a playful or teasing nickname for a romantic partner, which is quite different from its literal meaning.
- The phrase 臭名昭著 is used to describe someone who is 'infamous', meaning they have a 'stinky' reputation known to all.
Examples in context
- 呢度真係好臭！It's really stinky here!
- 呢度好臭It's very stinky here
- 呢件衫好臭。ni1 gin6 saam1 hou2 cau3.This piece of clothing is very stinky.
- 啲垃圾好臭呀。di1 laap6 kap1 hou2 cau3 aa3.The garbage is so stinky.
- 佢對鞋好臭。keoi5 deoi3 haai4 hou2 cau3.His shoes are very stinky.
Example conversation
Ka Ming and Ka Yan are cleaning the house.
- 家明 Ka Ming嘉欣，呢個垃圾桶好臭呀。ka1 jan1, ni1 go3 laap6 kap1 tung2 hou2 cau3 aa3.Ka Yan, this trash can is so stinky.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan係呀，我即刻攞去倒。hai6 aa3, ngo5 zik1 hak1 lo2 heoi3 dou3.Yes, I will take it out to dump it right away.
- 家明 Ka Ming唔好俾個味傳到屋企。m4 hou2 bei2 go3 wai6 cyun4 dou3 uk1 kei2.Don't let the smell spread through the house.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan放心啦，我會快啲搞掂。fong3 sam1 laa1, ngo5 wui5 faai3 di1 gaau2 dim6.Don't worry, I'll handle it quickly.
