fong3 zoeng2 soeng1 ngaan5放長雙眼放长双眼
Jyutpingfong3 zoeng2 soeng1 ngaan5
Yalefong jéung sēung ngáahn
Definition
To wait and see; to wait for a period of time before making a judgment.
colloquialdaily actionscommunication
How it's used
Carries a distinct tone of skepticism or challenge, implying that the speaker doubts the claims being made. It is almost exclusively used when someone makes a bold promise or prediction that the speaker expects to fail. The imagery of lengthening one's eyes suggests a long, patient, and critical period of observation.
Examples
You say you'll win, I'll wait and see how you do it.
They say they will reform, let's all wait and see.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to mean simply waiting for something neutral or positive. It specifically implies a critical watch to see if someone will fail or if their words prove hollow.
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.
