maai5 ding6買定买定
Jyutpingmaai5 ding6
Yalemáaih dihng
Definition
To buy in advance; also used in gambling to refer to a confirmed, irreversible bet.
- to buy in advance
- technicalto place a confirmed bet that cannot be reversed
colloquialdaily actionsshopping
How it's used
The particle 定 here functions as a resultative complement indicating that an action is completed in preparation for a future event. It implies foresight and planning, ensuring that something is ready before it is actually needed. While it is common in gambling to mean locking in a bet, in everyday life it is simply the go-to way to express buying something ahead of time.
Examples
I've already bought the tickets, I'll go watch the movie on time tomorrow.
Related words
Common phrases
place your bets (no more bets)
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the verb 定, which can mean to decide or to fix. When used as a complement like in 買定, it specifically emphasizes the preparatory nature of the action rather than just the act of buying itself.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
