lam4 gap1 lam4 mong4臨急臨忙临急临忙
Jyutpinglam4 gap1 lam4 mong4
Yalelàhm gāp làhm mòhng
Definition
In a great rush; extremely hurried and busy.
colloquialdaily actionsdescriptions
How it's used
This reduplicated phrase emphasizes a sense of chaotic, last minute panic rather than just being busy. It is frequently used to describe situations where someone has failed to plan ahead, leading to a frantic scramble to finish a task. Native speakers often use it to express mild annoyance or criticism regarding someone's lack of preparation.
Examples
Why are you packing in such a rush?
He left the house in a rush and forgot his keys.
Related words
Common phrases
to leave in a great rush
to do something in a last minute panic
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 趕時間, which is a neutral statement of being in a hurry. 臨急臨忙 carries a specific connotation of disorder and poor management that 趕時間 lacks.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
