mau1踎
Jyutpingmau1
Yalemāu
Definition
To squat down or crouch, bending both legs with the buttocks close to but not touching the ground.
colloquialdaily actionsbody
How it's used
Refers specifically to the posture of resting on one's haunches with the buttocks hovering above the ground. It is frequently used to describe a casual or lazy stance, often implying someone is idling or waiting around in a public space. The term carries a slightly informal or rough connotation compared to the more neutral or formal term 蹲.
Examples
Why are you squatting there and not getting up?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this word to describe sitting on a chair, as it strictly requires the legs to be folded and the body weight supported by the feet alone. It is also not interchangeable with sitting, which is 坐.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
