gan2 lo4 mat6 gu2緊鑼密鼓紧锣密鼓
Definition
With intense and hectic preparation; a flurry of publicity or preparations before an event.
- figurativewildly beating gongs and drums in preparation for a show
- with intense, hectic, and high-profile preparation
How it's used
Originally describing the frantic sound of gongs and drums in traditional opera to signal a scene change or a dramatic entrance, this idiom has evolved to describe any high intensity, behind the scenes preparation. It carries a sense of urgency and focused effort, often implying that a major event or announcement is imminent. While it sounds slightly formal or literary compared to everyday slang, it is frequently used in news reports and professional settings to describe project launches.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple synonym of busy, but it specifically refers to the preparatory phase of a project rather than just being occupied with daily tasks. It is not used to describe a person who is simply having a busy day at the office.
Grammar color guide
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.
