baa2 fung1把風把风
Jyutpingbaa2 fung1
Yalebá fūng
Definition
To keep watch or keep a lookout to prevent a secret activity from being disrupted.
colloquialdaily actionspeople
How it's used
Primarily associated with illicit or secretive activities, this term implies a sense of urgency or caution. It is almost exclusively used in contexts where someone is trying to avoid detection by authority figures or outsiders. While it can be used in playful scenarios, such as children playing hide and seek, it retains a strong connotation of being an accomplice to a hidden act.
Examples
You keep watch at the door for me, I'll go in and get my stuff back.
They are keeping watch there, afraid of getting caught by the police.
Related words
Common phrases
responsible for keeping watch
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with general watching or observing, such as 睇住 or 留意. Using this word in a neutral context, like asking someone to watch your bag while you go to the restroom, sounds suspicious as if you are hiding something illegal.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
