dok6踱
Jyutpingdok6
Yaledohk
Definition
To pace; to stroll; to walk slowly and with small steps.
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
This verb specifically captures the rhythmic, repetitive motion of pacing back and forth, often implying a state of restlessness, deep thought, or waiting. It is rarely used for purposeful travel from one destination to another, which would be better expressed as 行路. When used to describe a casual walk for relaxation, it often carries a sense of aimlessness or leisure.
Examples
He is pacing back and forth in the room, looking very anxious.
Do you need to go out for a stroll to catch your breath?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a general verb for walking. Using 踱 to describe walking to work or school sounds unnatural, as it implies a slow, confined, or repetitive movement rather than forward progress.
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.
