hau3 zyu6吼住
Jyutpinghau3 zyu6
Yalehau jyuh
Definition
To keep a close, watchful eye on something out of desire or anticipation.
colloquialdaily actionspeople
How it's used
This term captures a sense of predatory or intense focus, whether you are guarding something valuable or waiting for the right moment to snatch an opportunity. It implies a state of readiness and persistent attention that goes beyond simple looking. You will often hear it used when someone is waiting for a discount to start or keeping a spot in a crowded place.
Examples
You keep an eye on that seat, I'll go buy a coffee first.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 望住, which is a neutral way to say looking at something. 吼住 carries a specific nuance of desire, intent, or possessiveness that makes it inappropriate for casual, non-purposeful observation.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
