daa2 seng2 sap6 ji6 fan1 zing1 san4打醒十二分精神
Jyutpingdaa2 seng2 sap6 ji6 fan1 zing1 san4
Yaledá séng sahp yih fān jīng sàhn
Definition
To be extremely alert, fully focused, and on guard to avoid any mistakes.
colloquialdaily actionsdescriptions
How it's used
Using the number twelve instead of ten emphasizes that one needs to exceed normal levels of alertness. It is commonly used as a warning or advice when someone is about to enter a situation that requires high concentration or carries potential risk. The phrase implies that being merely attentive is insufficient for the task at hand.
Examples
You need to be extra alert when crossing the road.
You have an exam tomorrow, remember to stay fully focused.
Related words
Common phrases
to be fully alert to handle something
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.
