dau3𢭃

Jyutpingdau3

Yaledau

Definition

To probe, question, or investigate someone to extract information.

colloquialpeoplecommunication

How it's used

Primarily used in contexts involving suspicion or caution, this term implies a deliberate effort to uncover hidden information or verify someone's credibility. It carries a slightly investigative or detective-like nuance, often used when someone is being cagey or when you need to confirm if a person is trustworthy. It is distinct from simple questioning because it suggests a strategic or tactical approach to getting the truth.

Examples

nei5你bong1幫ngo5我𢭃haa5下keoi5佢dai2底，tai2睇haa6下keoi5佢hai6係mai6咪zan1真hai6係zou6做le1呢haang4行。

Help me check his background and see if he really works in this industry.

keoi5佢hou2好sing2醒㗎，gaa4想𢭃soeng2佢keoi5口hau2風fung1真zan1係hai6唔m4容jung4易。

He is very sharp, it is really not easy to probe him for information.

Common phrases

𢭃dai2底

to investigate someone's background

𢭃hau2口fung1風

to probe for information

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with the standard word for asking questions, which is 問. Using 𢭃 implies an ulterior motive or a need for deeper verification, so it sounds strange if used for casual, everyday inquiries like asking for the time or directions.