can3 dei6 nam4趁地腍
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
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
Learn more on the YumCha blog
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Dictionary data from CC-Canto and CC-CEDICT, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.