dong2擋挡
Jyutpingdong2
Yaledóng
Definition
To block, avoid, or take cover from.
colloquialdaily actionsweather
How it's used
Focuses on the physical act of creating a barrier between oneself and an external force like rain, wind, or light. It is frequently paired with the particle 吓 to soften the tone, implying a temporary or casual action rather than a permanent solution. When used in the context of avoiding something abstract like a person or a responsibility, Cantonese speakers often prefer the word 避 instead.
Examples
Why are you using your hand to block the sun?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 擋住, which often implies a static state of obstruction, whereas 擋 is more active. Learners sometimes use it to mean avoiding a person in a social sense, but it sounds unnatural; use 避開 for that purpose.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
