man1 dou1 fan3 laa1蚊都瞓啦
Jyutpingman1 dou1 fan3 laa1
Yalemān dōu fan lā
Definition
Expression used to describe something that is happening far too late.
colloquialtimeother
How it's used
Literally meaning even the mosquitoes have gone to sleep, this idiom highlights that a significant amount of time has passed. It is used to express frustration or resignation when someone is late or a task is taking too long to complete. It carries a slightly humorous and informal tone, often used to emphasize that the window of opportunity has closed.
Examples
You are only leaving now? It will be way too late by the time you get there.
By the time he comes back, it will be too late, let's just eat first.
Common phrases
to wait until it is way too late
Common mistake
Do not use this in formal or professional settings, as the imagery is very casual and conversational. It is strictly for spoken Cantonese and should be avoided in written reports or business correspondence.
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.
