coeng4 naau4 naau4長撓撓长挠挠
Jyutpingcoeng4 naau4 naau4
Yalechèuhng nàauh nàauh
Definition
Very long, specifically describing a long duration of time.
colloquialdescriptionstime
How it's used
This reduplicated form emphasizes an extreme, often tedious duration or physical length. It carries a slightly informal, emotive tone that suggests the speaker is frustrated or bored by the lengthiness. It is frequently used to describe waiting times or physical lines that seem to stretch on indefinitely.
Examples
I've been waiting for so long, it feels like forever.
Related words
Common phrases
like it's super long
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with standard adjectives for length like 長. This term is specifically for emphasis and is not used in formal writing or to describe precise measurements.
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.
