dau2糾纠
Jyutpingdau2
Yaledáu
Definition
To entangle, wind, or twist; also to correct or investigate.
- to entangle, wind, or twist around
- to correct, supervise, or investigate
neutraldescriptions
How it's used
This character is rarely used as a standalone verb in modern spoken Cantonese. It almost exclusively appears as part of compound words like 糾纏, which describes being physically tangled or metaphorically stuck in a persistent, annoying conflict or situation.
Examples
The wires are tangled into a ball, it is hard to untangle.
Why do you always get hung up on these trivial matters?
Related words
Common phrases
to be entangled or to pester
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for the Mandarin usage where it can mean to correct or investigate. In Cantonese, it is almost strictly reserved for the sense of entanglement or being caught up in something.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
