dong6蕩荡
Jyutpingdong6
Yaledohng
Definition
To wander, stroll, or saunter around.
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
Focuses on the aimless nature of movement, often implying a lack of productive purpose. It is frequently used in the reduplicated form 蕩嚟蕩去 to emphasize the repetitive or aimless back and forth motion. Unlike more formal terms for traveling, this carries a slightly negative or dismissive nuance of wasting time.
Examples
Why are you always wandering around the streets?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 盪, which is used for swinging or rocking motions. While they share similar pronunciations, 蕩 specifically refers to wandering or roaming, whereas 盪 relates to physical oscillation.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
