de2 de2 diu3嗲嗲吊
Jyutpingde2 de2 diu3
Yaledé dé diu
Definition
Procrastinating, slow to take action, or irresponsible and lacking a sense of commitment.
colloquialpeoplework
How it's used
This term carries a strong sense of frustration towards someone who lacks urgency or commitment. It implies a sluggish, half-hearted attitude that delays progress for everyone else involved. While it can describe a general personality trait, it is most frequently used in professional or collaborative settings to criticize a colleague's lack of reliability.
Examples
He is always dragging his feet at work, it is hard to trust him.
Don't be so irresponsible with your work, get it finished quickly.
Related words
Common phrases
dragging one's feet (variant form)
to be irresponsible at work
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the term 嗲, which relates to being coquettish or acting in a cutesy, babyish way. Despite the shared character, the reduplication and the addition of 吊 completely shift the meaning towards laziness and procrastination.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
