daa2 lo2 dou1 wan2 m4 dou2打鑼都搵唔倒打锣都揾唔倒
Jyutpingdaa2 lo2 dou1 wan2 m4 dou2
Yaledá ló dōu wán m̀h dóu
Definition
Extremely hard to find; impossible to locate even with a massive search or effort.
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
This expression uses the imagery of beating a gong to search for someone, suggesting an exhaustive, public, and desperate effort. It is typically used when something or someone has completely vanished or is extremely rare. It adds a dramatic flair to the speaker's frustration regarding the difficulty of locating something.
Examples
He is always nowhere to be found, even if you searched everywhere.
You can't find this type of old spare part anywhere anymore.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this for minor inconveniences like misplacing your keys for a few minutes. It is reserved for situations where the search is genuinely difficult or the subject is effectively impossible to locate.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
