daam1耽
Jyutpingdaam1
Yaledāam
Definition
To delay; to stall or linger.
neutraltimedaily actions
How it's used
Used primarily in the compound 耽誤 to describe causing a delay or missing an opportunity due to procrastination or external factors. It carries a slightly formal or literary weight compared to everyday verbs like 遲. You will rarely hear it used as a standalone verb in casual speech.
Examples
Do not delay everyone's time.
Related words
Common phrases
to waste or delay time
to delay important matters
Common mistake
Learners often confuse it with 沉迷, which shares the same character but means to be addicted or obsessed with something. Ensure you distinguish between the sense of delay and the sense of indulgence.
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.
