jau4 gon1 seoi2游乾水游干水
Jyutpingjau4 gon1 seoi2
Yaleyàuh gōn séui
Definition
To play mahjong.
colloquialslangdaily actions
How it's used
Originating from the circular, sweeping motion of hands when shuffling mahjong tiles, this term vividly compares the action to swimming. It is a lighthearted, slangy way to refer to the game that avoids the direct mention of gambling. Using this term signals a casual, friendly atmosphere among players.
Examples
Are you free to play mahjong together tonight?
They have been playing mahjong all night and refuse to leave.
Related words
Common phrases
to go play mahjong
to invite someone to play mahjong
Common mistake
Do not use this term in formal or professional settings, as it is strictly colloquial slang. It is also specific to mahjong and cannot be used to describe other card games or board games.
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.
