dam1 si4 gaan3揼時間揼时间
Jyutpingdam1 si4 gaan3
Yaledām sìh gaan
Definition
To stall or play for time; to deliberately drag out or delay a process.
colloquialtimework
How it's used
Often used in professional or high-pressure settings where someone intentionally slows down a process to wait for a better outcome or to avoid an immediate decision. The term carries a slightly negative connotation of being unproductive or evasive. It is distinct from simply being slow, as it implies a deliberate strategy to delay an inevitable conclusion.
Examples
Stop stalling for time, get to work quickly.
Is he trying to stall for time, which is why he won't sign?
Related words
Common phrases
want to stall for time
deliberately stall for time
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 嘥時間, which means to waste time. While 揼時間 is a strategic delay, 嘥時間 refers to the act of squandering time on something useless or unproductive.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
