cim4 tou4潛逃潜逃
Jyutpingcim4 tou4
Yalechìhm tòuh
Definition
To abscond, flee secretly, and go into hiding.
writtenother
How it's used
Used primarily in formal news reports or legal contexts to describe someone fleeing to avoid arrest or prosecution. It carries a heavy, serious tone that is rarely used in casual conversation about everyday travel or leaving a place. When someone leaves a situation secretly but without the criminal implication, other terms like 偷偷走咗 are more appropriate.
Examples
After he committed the crime, he absconded to a foreign country.
The police are currently hunting down the suspect who has absconded.
Related words
Common phrases
abscond to avoid punishment
Common mistake
Learners sometimes use this word to describe simply running away from home or leaving a party early, which is incorrect as it implies a criminal or legal evasion.
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.
