gu3 zyu6顧住顾住
Jyutpinggu3 zyu6
Yalegu jyuh
Definition
To watch out, be careful, or pay attention to avoid danger or mistakes.
- to watch out; to be careful not to; warning to avoid something
- figurativeto focus only on one thing while ignoring other aspects
colloquialdaily actionspeople
How it's used
Functions as a warning to pay attention to one's surroundings or to avoid a specific negative outcome. It also carries a secondary, slightly critical nuance of being overly fixated on one activity to the point of neglecting other important responsibilities. This dual usage makes it a versatile tool for both safety warnings and social critiques.
Examples
The floor is very wet, watch out so you don't slip!
If you keep focusing only on your phone, you'll bump into someone sooner or later.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 睇住, which is more about keeping an eye on something or someone. While 顧住 implies a warning to prevent a mishap or a critique of tunnel vision, 睇住 is neutral and simply means to watch or monitor.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
