mau1 dai1踎低
Jyutpingmau1 dai1
Yalemāu dāi
Definition
To squat down, bending the knees so that the buttocks are close to or touching the ground.
colloquialdaily actionsbody
How it's used
Often used to describe a casual or resting posture, particularly when someone is waiting for something or working on the floor. It carries a slightly informal tone and is frequently used in the context of physical discomfort or health issues like dizziness when rising too quickly.
Examples
Can you squat down and help me see what is under the cabinet?
He has been squatting for a long time, and his legs are completely numb.
Related words
Common phrases
squat down and stand up
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 蹲, which is the formal written term. Using 踎低 in a formal essay or professional report would be considered inappropriate as it is strictly a colloquial spoken term.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
