jyu1 wui4迂迴迂回
Jyutpingjyu1 wui4
Yaleyū wùih
Definition
Winding, twisting, or indirect.
- (of paths or roads) winding; twisting; roundabout
- figurative(of thoughts or speech) indirect; circumlocutory
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Beyond describing physical paths, this word is frequently used to describe speech or logic that is overly indirect or evasive. It carries a slightly formal or literary tone compared to the more common colloquial term 兜圈. When used to describe a person's communication style, it often implies that the speaker is intentionally avoiding a direct answer.
Examples
The path is so winding, I've been walking forever and still haven't arrived.
Do you really need to be so indirect when you speak?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 兜圈, which is the standard colloquial way to say someone is beating around the bush. While 迂迴 can be used for both physical routes and abstract communication, 兜圈 is almost exclusively used for the latter in daily conversation.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Classifier
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Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
