dong1 tau4當頭当头
Jyutpingdong1 tau4
Yaledōng tàuh
Definition
Right overhead or directly above; or right at the moment when something occurs.
- directly overhead; right above one's head
- right at the moment; at the very beginning of an event
colloquialdescriptionstime
How it's used
Expresses a sense of immediacy or directness, whether referring to the sun positioned directly above or the very beginning of an event. It carries a slightly dramatic tone, suggesting that something is unavoidable or hits you right in the face. When used for time, it emphasizes that an action occurred at the very first moment of a sequence.
Examples
The sun is beating down right overhead, it is really hot.
Related words
Common phrases
sun right overhead
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin usage of 當頭, which can sometimes imply being in charge or leading. In Cantonese, it is almost exclusively used for physical positioning or the start of an event.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
