dang2 jat1 zan6等一陣等一阵
Jyutpingdang2 jat1 zan6
Yaledáng yāt jahn
Definition
To wait for a while; to wait a moment.
colloquialdaily actionstime
How it's used
This phrase is the standard way to ask for a short delay in almost any social or professional setting. It carries a polite but casual tone that is much more natural than the more formal稍等. You can often drop the 等 and just say 一陣 to mean the same thing when the context of waiting is already clear.
Examples
Wait here for a while, I'll be back after I grab some things.
Can you wait for a while first? I haven't finished packing yet.
Related words
Common phrases
wait for a while first
Common mistake
Learners often try to translate wait as 候, but that is far too formal for daily speech. Stick to 等 for all casual situations.
Grammar color guide
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Verb
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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.
