lam4 mei1臨尾临尾
Jyutpinglam4 mei1
Yalelàhm mēi
Definition
At the last moment; waiting until the very end to do something or for something to happen.
colloquialtimedaily actions
How it's used
Focuses on the final stage of a process or the very end of a timeline, often implying a sense of urgency or last-minute panic. It carries a slightly negative connotation when used to describe someone who procrastinates until the deadline. Use this to highlight the contrast between a long period of inactivity and a sudden burst of effort right before the end.
Examples
He only said he wasn't coming at the very last minute, it's so infuriating.
Are you rushing to finish the work at the very last moment?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 最終, which is more formal and refers to the final outcome or result. 臨尾 specifically emphasizes the timing of an action being delayed until the final moment.
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.
