daa2 loeng6打量
Jyutpingdaa2 loeng6
Yaledá leuhng
Definition
To size someone up; to look someone up and down to assess them, often with hostile or suspicious intent.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Implies a sense of scrutiny that feels intrusive or suspicious, often suggesting the observer is evaluating someone's worth, intentions, or vulnerabilities. Unlike a neutral look, this verb carries a weight of judgment or hidden motive. It is frequently used when someone feels uncomfortable under the gaze of a stranger.
Examples
keoi5佢jau4由tau4頭dou3到goek3腳daa2打loeng6量zo2咗ngo5我gei2幾ci3次，hou2好ci5似soeng2想wan2搵ngo5我maa4麻faan4煩gam3咁。
He sized me up from head to toe a few times, as if he wanted to find trouble.
Why are you sizing people up like that? It is very rude.
Related words
Common phrases
to look someone up and down
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin usage which can sometimes be more neutral or literary. In Cantonese, it almost always carries a negative or at least wary connotation of being watched by someone who is up to something.
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.
