hau1吼
Jyutpinghau1
Yalehāu
Definition
To watch closely and wait for the right moment to act.
colloquialdaily actionspeople
How it's used
Implies a predatory or opportunistic focus, similar to a hunter waiting for prey to enter range. It is frequently used in contexts involving bargains, sales, or seizing a competitive advantage. The focus is not just on looking, but on the readiness to act immediately once the conditions are met.
Examples
He is watching for the right moment to make a move.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin verb 吼, which means to shout or roar. In Cantonese, the meaning is strictly about visual focus and waiting for an opportunity, never about making noise.
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.
