dong3 lau4當流当流
Jyutpingdong3 lau4
Yaledong làuh
Definition
To treat someone as if they have no status, or as a nobody.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
Often used when someone feels their authority or presence is being ignored or disrespected. It carries a strong sense of indignation and is frequently used in arguments to demand recognition or respect. It is essentially a way of saying that someone is being treated as if they do not exist or have no influence.
Examples
Don't underestimate him, he's actually very wealthy.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal description of flow or movement, but it is purely idiomatic. It is not used to describe physical objects, only the perceived status or importance of a person.
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.
