01
佢隻馬
keoi5 zek3 maa5
His horse
佢 (keoi5) is the third-person pronoun: he, she, or it. 隻 (zek3) is a classifier used for animals, and 馬 (maa5) means horse.
In this example, 佢 (keoi5) refers to the owner.
STREET CANTONESE / 05
The everyday expressionCasual · Success & pride
In the winner’s circle
威水
wai1 seoi2
A big win.
A proud moment.
To be very impressive, glorious, or “cool.”
Literal meaning“Powerful water”
A success worth celebrating.
佢隻馬攞咗冠軍，真係威水！keoi5 zek3 maa5 lo2 zo2 gun3 gwan1, zan1 hai6 wai1 seoi2!His horse won the championship; it's impressive!✦Hear it in context
Celebrating a winning horse
佢隻馬攞咗冠軍，真係威水！
keoi5 zek3 maa5 lo2 zo2 gun3 gwan1, zan1 hai6 wai1 seoi2!
“That’s a glorious achievement.”
Translation: His horse won the championship; it's impressive!
Another English equivalent: “He’s really showing off his success.”
The setting
A proud owner stands in the winner’s circle at the racecourse after their horse finishes first, receiving congratulations from the crowd.
Piece by piece
Unpack the expression
02
攞咗冠軍
lo2 zo2 gun3 gwan1
Won the championship
攞 (lo2) means “take” or “get.” 咗 (zo2) is an aspect marker indicating that the action is completed.
Here, the horse has taken first place.
03
冠軍
gun3 gwan1
Champion / first place
Refers to the champion or first place in a competition.
An achievement that deserves congratulations.