dim2 aa1點呀点呀
Definition
An informal greeting equivalent to "how are you?" or "what's up?".
How it's used
Functioning as a versatile catch-all greeting, this phrase can range from a genuine inquiry about someone's well-being to a casual acknowledgement when passing someone in the hallway. It is highly context-dependent and often serves as a conversation starter rather than a request for a detailed life update. When used with a rising intonation, it sounds friendly and inquisitive, but a flat delivery can sometimes imply a sense of impatience or annoyance.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this with superiors or in formal business settings, as it is strictly colloquial and can sound overly familiar or disrespectful. It is not a direct translation of the English 'how are you' and should not be used as a literal question about health unless the context is very specific.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
