ding2頂顶
Jyutpingding2
Yaledíng
Definition
To withstand, support, or resist an external force in order to maintain a state or position.
colloquialdaily actionsdescriptions
How it's used
Beyond its literal physical meaning of supporting weight, this word is frequently used to describe enduring difficult situations or emotional pressure. It often implies a sense of resilience or stalling for time until help arrives. When used in the phrase 頂唔順, it expresses that someone has reached their limit and can no longer tolerate a situation or physical sensation.
Examples
You hold on for a bit, I will find someone to help right away.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin usage where it can mean to argue or talk back to someone. While it can imply resistance, in Cantonese it is primarily about structural support or endurance rather than verbal confrontation.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
