jau4 dong6遊蕩游荡
Jyutpingjau4 dong6
Yaleyàuh dohng
Definition
To wander aimlessly in public places.
colloquialdaily actionspeople
How it's used
Carries a slightly negative or suspicious connotation, often implying that the person has no clear purpose or destination. It is frequently used by authorities or concerned family members to describe someone loitering in public spaces for an extended period. Unlike simply walking, it emphasizes the aimless nature of the movement.
Examples
He wanders the streets all day, not knowing what he wants to do.
Why are you wandering around here? Are you waiting for someone?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe a pleasant stroll or a hike, as those activities have a clear destination or recreational purpose. Using it to describe a casual walk with friends sounds like you are accusing them of loitering or being up to no good.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Particle
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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.
