can3 dei6 nam4
Jyutpingcan3 dei6 nam4
Yalechan deih nàmh

Definition

literally: 'to take advantage of the opportunity when the ground is soft enough to dig', an expression to curse someone to tell them to go and dig their own grave whilst the ground is still soft (i.e. they should take the chance now and go quickly to die), somewhat similar to the expression 'go to hell'; a more recent alternative interpretation to this phrase (used in a vulgar manner) is to tell someone to pack their bags and go whilst they have the chance

Tone guide

T1High level
T2High rising
T3Mid level
T4Low falling
T5Low rising
T6Low level

Search the dictionary

Dictionary data from CC-Canto and CC-CEDICT, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.