deon1蹲
Jyutpingdeon1
Yaledēun
Definition
To squat; to bend one's knees as if sitting but without the buttocks touching the ground.
colloquialdaily actionsbody
How it's used
While standard written Chinese uses 蹲, in casual spoken Cantonese, people often use the term 踎. The latter carries a more informal, sometimes slightly unrefined connotation, often used when describing someone sitting on their haunches in a public space.
Examples
What are you doing squatting there?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using 蹲 in formal contexts if you want to sound like a native speaker, as 踎 is the default choice for the physical action of squatting in daily life.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
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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.
