de2 diu3嗲吊
Jyutpingde2 diu3
Yaledé diu
Definition
Slow, sluggish, or indecisive, often causing delay.
colloquialdaily actionsdescriptions
How it's used
Describes a person or process that is frustratingly slow, hesitant, or lacking in efficiency. It implies a lack of decisiveness that drags things out unnecessarily. It is often used to criticize someone who is wasting time or failing to make a move when action is required.
Examples
Don't be so slow and indecisive with your work, get it done quickly.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin term 撒嬌, which sounds similar but refers to acting coy or flirtatious. In Cantonese, 嗲吊 is strictly about being sluggish or indecisive in action.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
