你好肥
nei5 hou2 fei4
The Cantonese phrase for "you're fat" is 你好肥 (nei5 hou2 fei4).
你好肥 is a direct statement used to tell someone that they are overweight.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 你 (you), 好 (very) and 肥 (fat). In this context, 好 functions as an intensifier meaning "very".
Which one should you use?
You can use 你有啲肥 to say "you are a little fat" in more informal settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you want to describe a change in weight, such as saying "you've become fat" or "you've gained weight", add the particle 咗 after the adjective to form 你肥咗.
How do you pronounce it?
nei5 hou2 fei4
Did you know?
- In Cantonese culture, telling a friend or family member 你好肥 is often intended as a sign of intimacy or a casual observation rather than a cruel insult.
- Cantonese uses the word 肥 to describe things that are not people, such as a 'fat' or lush piece of calligraphy brushstroke.
- The concept of being 'fat' is often culturally linked to prosperity in older Cantonese traditions, where a certain level of 'plumpness' was seen as a sign of a life free from hardship.
Examples in context
- 你有啲肥啊，出嚟運動啦！You are a little fat, let's go out and exercise!
