ding2 dong3頂檔顶档

Jyutpingding2 dong3

Yaledíng dong

動詞

Definition

To act as a temporary stand-in; to take over someone's job or role temporarily, or to make up the numbers.

colloquialworkdaily actions

How it's used

Originally referring to keeping a market stall running while the owner is away, this term has evolved to cover any temporary replacement in a professional or casual setting. It implies a sense of urgency or necessity, often used when someone is unexpectedly absent and needs a quick fix to keep things moving. It is distinct from permanent succession because it carries the expectation that the original person will return.

Examples

lou5老baan2闆beng6病zo2咗，le1呢gei2幾jat6日jau4由ngo5我ding2頂dong3檔。

The boss is sick, so I am taking over for these few days.

nei5你ho2可m4唔ho2可ji5以bong1幫ngo5我ding2頂dong3檔bun3半go3個zung1鐘aa4呀？

Can you help me cover my shift for half an hour?

Common phrases

bong1幫sau2手ding2頂dong3檔

help out by taking over

lam4臨si4時ding2頂dong3檔

temporarily stand in

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with 頂住, which simply means to hold something up or endure a situation. While 頂檔 involves the act of filling a gap, 頂住 is more about physical support or mental perseverance.