co1 to4 seoi3 jyut6蹉跎歲月蹉跎岁月
Jyutpingco1 to4 seoi3 jyut6
Yalechō tòh seui yyuth
Definition
To let years and months slip by – to waste one's time; to allow time to slip away
colloquialtimedescriptions
How it's used
This idiom carries a slightly literary or formal tone despite being used in casual speech to offer advice or express regret. It implies a sense of missing out on potential or failing to achieve goals due to procrastination or lack of direction. It is often used by older generations to warn younger people about the importance of seizing the day.
Examples
hau6 saang1 zai2 m4 hou2 co1 to4 seoi3 jyut6 aa4
後生仔唔好蹉跎歲月呀。
Young people shouldn't waste their time.
nei5 zung6 soeng2 co1 to4 seoi3 jyut6 dou3 gei2 si4
你仲想蹉跎歲月到幾時？
How much longer do you want to keep wasting your time?
Related words
Common phrases
m4 hou2 co1 to4 seoi3 jyut6
唔好蹉跎歲月
don't waste your time
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple verb like 浪費, but it specifically refers to the passage of time and one's life, making it sound more poetic or serious than just wasting time on a specific task.
Tone guide
T1High level
T2High rising
T3Mid level
T4Low falling
T5Low rising
T6Low level
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.
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
