fu2 joeng5俯仰
Jyutpingfu2 joeng5
Yalefú yéuhng
Definition
To look down and up; representing one's behavior, actions, or a fleeting moment.
- to look down and look up; one's behavior, conduct, and actions
- literarya fleeting moment; an instant; a very short time
writtendescriptionstime
How it's used
This term is primarily used in literary or formal contexts rather than everyday casual speech. It carries a sense of moral integrity when referring to one's conduct, or a poetic sense of fleeting time when describing how quickly moments pass. You will rarely hear it used in a street market or a casual chat with friends.
Examples
His every action and movement is very upright.
In the blink of an eye, ten years have already passed.
Related words
Common phrases
to have a clear conscience
in a split second
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a physical description of looking up and down, but it is almost always used metaphorically to describe a person's character or the rapid passage of time. Avoid using it to describe the literal act of moving your head.
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.
