fau4 wan4浮雲浮云
Jyutpingfau4 wan4
Yalefàuh wàhn
Definition
Floating clouds; a metaphor for things that are illusory, impractical, or insignificant.
colloquialdescriptionsother
How it's used
Used primarily in a metaphorical sense to dismiss something as transient, insignificant, or illusory. It carries a philosophical or slightly cynical tone, often suggesting that the speaker has transcended worldly concerns. While it can be used literally to describe clouds, its most common function in daily speech is to label things like money, fame, or empty promises as fleeting.
Examples
Fame and fortune are just like floating clouds to him.
Are these promises just empty talk?
Related words
Common phrases
to regard something as insignificant
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe actual weather conditions in a literal sense, as it sounds overly poetic or literary. It is strictly for abstract concepts or metaphorical comparisons.
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.
