daam1 tin1 mong6 dei6眈天望地
Jyutpingdaam1 tin1 mong6 dei6
Yaledāam tīn mohng deih
Definition
To look around inattentively; to stare blankly at the sky and ground instead of focusing on what one is doing.
colloquialdaily actionsdescriptions
How it's used
Describes a state of being unfocused or distracted by one's surroundings rather than paying attention to the task at hand. It often implies a sense of aimlessness or daydreaming, suggesting that the person is not mentally present. While it literally refers to looking up and down, it is almost exclusively used to criticize someone for being inattentive.
Examples
Don't look around while walking, be careful not to bump into things.
He is always looking around in class, no wonder his grades are so poor.
Related words
Common phrases
always looking around aimlessly
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is genuinely searching for something or admiring a view, as it carries a negative connotation of being unfocused or wasting time.
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.
