haang4 hoi1 zo2行開咗行开咗
Jyutpinghaang4 hoi1 zo2
Yalehàahng hōi jó
Definition
To step away temporarily; to go out for a moment with the intention of coming back.
colloquialdaily actionspeople
How it's used
This phrase specifically implies a temporary absence where the person is expected to return shortly. It is the standard way to explain why someone is not at their desk or current location without needing to specify their exact destination. Using it effectively signals that the person is still reachable or will be back soon, rather than having left for the day.
Examples
The manager is out for a moment, please call back later.
He said he was stepping out earlier, I wonder where he went?
Related words
Common phrases
stepped out for a moment
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe someone who has left permanently or for a long period, as that would be better expressed with 走咗 or 唔喺度. It is strictly for short, temporary departures.
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.
