kwong4 laan4狂瀾狂澜
Jyutpingkwong4 laan4
Yalekwòhng làahn
Definition
Raging tides; roaring waves, often used figuratively to describe a dangerous situation or a major crisis.
writtennaturedescriptions
How it's used
Used almost exclusively in the idiom 挽狂瀾於既倒, which describes someone who saves a desperate situation from total collapse. Outside of this specific literary set phrase, it sounds highly dramatic and poetic, making it unsuitable for casual daily conversation. It carries a sense of overwhelming, destructive force that is beyond human control.
Examples
They tried to turn the tide, but it was already too late.
Facing the raging tides of society, we should stay calm.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal description of ocean waves, but it is primarily used metaphorically to represent chaotic social or political circumstances. Do not use it to describe actual weather or sea conditions.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
