cim4 fuk6潛伏潜伏
Jyutpingcim4 fuk6
Yalechìhm fuhk
Definition
To hide, lie low, remain latent, or incubate, especially to avoid detection.
neutralhealthdaily actions
How it's used
Often used in medical contexts to describe diseases or viruses that are present but not yet active. Beyond biology, it carries a sense of strategic waiting or hiding one's true intentions to avoid detection. It implies a state of stillness before a potential future action.
Examples
The virus is latent in the body, with no symptoms for now.
He has been lying low for a long time and finally waited for the chance to act.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 匿埋, which is a simple physical act of hiding behind an object. 潛伏 suggests a more prolonged, often invisible or internal state of waiting.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
