caang3 toi2 goek3撐檯腳撑台脚
Jyutpingcaang3 toi2 goek3
Yalechaang tói geuk
Definition
To have a private, intimate meal date with a loved one or partner.
colloquialfoodpeople
How it's used
Literally meaning to prop up the table legs, this idiom specifically implies a private, intimate meal for two people. It is most commonly used for romantic dates, but can occasionally describe a close friend or family member wanting some quality one on one time. The focus is on the exclusivity of the company rather than the quality of the food itself.
Examples
Shall we go out for a romantic dinner tonight?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a group meal or a business lunch, as the term strongly emphasizes the intimacy of a two person setting. Using it for a large gathering sounds bizarre and implies an inappropriately romantic or private vibe.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
