mai4 tou4迷途
Jyutpingmai4 tou4
Yalemàih tòuh
Definition
The wrong way, a lost path, or a mistaken course in life.
neutraldescriptionsother
How it's used
Primarily used in a metaphorical sense to describe someone who has lost their way in life or moral direction. While it can refer to physical navigation, it sounds quite literary or dramatic in that context. It often appears in idioms or formal advice-seeking scenarios rather than casual directions to a shop.
Examples
I took the wrong turn and got lost, how do I get to your side?
He is lost in life and really needs someone to give him some advice.
Related words
Common phrases
to guide someone who is lost
to realize one's mistake and turn back
Common mistake
Do not use this for simple navigation errors like taking a wrong turn on a bus. Use 行錯路 instead for physical mistakes, as 迷途 carries a heavier, more existential weight.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
