jyun1 joeng1 hei3 seoi2鴛鴦戲水鸳鸯戏水
Jyutpingjyun1 joeng1 hei3 seoi2
Yaleyūn yēung hei séui
Definition
To describe a couple playing in the water together.
colloquialpeopledaily actions
How it's used
This idiom carries a playful and slightly romantic connotation, drawing on the cultural image of mandarin ducks as a symbol of inseparable lovers. It is specifically reserved for couples and would sound strange or inappropriate if used to describe friends or family members swimming together. Use it to add a touch of lightheartedness or teasing to your description of a couple's activities.
Examples
The two of them went to the swimming pool to play in the water together.
Going to the beach in summer to play in the water as a couple is so romantic.
Related words
Common phrases
go to the beach to play in the water as a couple
play in the pool as a couple
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe just any two people swimming together, as it implies a romantic relationship. Using it for casual friends or siblings can create an awkward or suggestive misunderstanding.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
