gwaai2 zau2拐走
Jyutpinggwaai2 zau2
Yalegwáai jáu
Definition
To kidnap or abduct someone.
colloquialpeopledaily actions
How it's used
Focuses specifically on the act of luring or snatching someone away, often implying a deceptive or stealthy approach. While it can apply to adults, it is most frequently used in the context of children being taken by strangers. It carries a strong sense of alarm and is commonly used in warnings to children.
Examples
That person looks like they want to kidnap the child.
I heard someone on the next street was almost kidnapped.
Related words
Common phrases
kidnap a child
Common mistake
Avoid using this for formal reports or legal contexts where the term 綁架 is more appropriate, as 拐走 carries a slightly more colloquial and descriptive tone.
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.
