dai1低
Definition
Down; added after a verb to indicate a downward direction or a settled state.
How it's used
Functions as a directional complement indicating movement towards a lower position or the completion of an action that results in something being placed or remaining on a surface. It is highly productive and attaches to a wide range of verbs to specify the spatial outcome of an action. Unlike Mandarin where similar structures might feel more formal, this is the standard way to express downward movement in everyday speech.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 下 which is used in Mandarin to indicate downward movement, but in Cantonese, 下 is rarely used as a directional complement in this way. Always use 低 to describe the physical act of sitting, placing, or lowering something.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
