daa2 dou2 tan3打倒褪
Jyutpingdaa2 dou2 tan3
Yaledá dóu tan
Definition
To step or go backwards, or to regress and worsen.
- to step backwards; to move backward physically
- to regress; to deteriorate; to worsen
colloquialworkschool
How it's used
Refers specifically to a decline in progress, skill, or performance rather than physical movement. It is often used to contrast with progress, making it a common choice when discussing personal growth or project status. The phrase carries a slightly critical tone, implying that one should be moving forward instead of regressing.
Examples
Why did his academic performance deteriorate?
Related words
Common phrases
grades have deteriorated
performance has declined
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe physical backward movement, such as walking backwards, which is better expressed as 行後退 or 倒後行.
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.
