你好醜樣
nei5 hou2 cau2 joeng2
In Cantonese, "you're ugly" is said as 你好醜樣 (nei5 hou2 cau2 joeng2).
This phrase is a direct and insulting statement used to tell someone that they are not physically attractive.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "you very ugly appearance" or "you have a very ugly look".
How does it change in a sentence?
In this phrase, 好 (hou2) acts as an intensifier meaning "very" instead of the verb "to be". The word 樣 (joeng2) functions as a noun meaning "appearance" or "look", which makes the insult descriptive of a person's physical features.
How do you pronounce it?
nei5 hou2 cau2 joeng2
Did you know?
- In Cantonese culture, calling a baby 醜 ('ugly') is sometimes done intentionally to ward off evil spirits who might be attracted to a beautiful child.
- In Cantonese, the word 醜 (cau2) can also be used to describe a person's behavior or actions as 'shameful' or 'undignified', extending far beyond physical appearance.
- To soften the blow or tease a friend, speakers might add the particle 㗎 ('gaa') to the end, turning a harsh insult into a playful jab.
Examples in context
- 你個鬼樣真係好恐怖㗎喎 (néi go gwái yeuhng jān hai hóu hung3 bou6 gaa3wo3)Your appearance is really scary.
- 你好醜樣。nei5 hou2 cau2 joeng2.You're ugly.
Example conversation
Two friends are arguing in a park.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting你唔好再鬧人喇。nei5 m4 hou2 zoi3 zaau3 jan4 laa3.Don't insult people anymore.
- 俊傑 Chun Kit我冇呀，我只係話你好醜樣。ngo5 mou5 aa3, ngo5 zi2 hai6 waa6 nei5 hou2 cau2 joeng2.I didn't, I just said you're ugly.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting你真係好惡劣。nei5 zan1 hai6 hou2 ok3 lit6.You are really mean.
- 俊傑 Chun Kit我只係講真話。ngo5 zi2 hai6 gong2 zan1 waa6.I am just telling the truth.
