dung6 san1動身动身
Jyutpingdung6 san1
Yaleduhng sān
Definition
To set out, depart, or leave for a place.
neutraltraveldaily actions
How it's used
Carries a slightly formal tone compared to everyday verbs like 出發 or 行. It often implies a sense of preparation or the act of physically getting up to start a journey, rather than just the departure itself. It is frequently used when discussing travel plans or long-distance trips.
Examples
We should leave for the airport earlier tomorrow morning.
When are you setting off for your trip?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a general verb for moving one's body, but it specifically refers to the start of a journey. Using it to mean simply moving around or shifting position is incorrect.
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.
