mau4繆缪
Jyutpingmau4
Yalemàuh
Definition
To bind, tighten, or join together.
writtenother
How it's used
This character is almost exclusively encountered in the four-character idiom 未雨綢繆. It functions as a literary morpheme meaning to bind or tie, specifically referring to the historical practice of using mulberry roots to reinforce window frames against storms. Outside of this specific idiom, it is rarely used in modern spoken Cantonese.
Examples
You should be well prepared and bring an umbrella when you go out.
Related words
Common phrases
to take precautions; to be well prepared
Common mistake
Learners often mistake the pronunciation for the surname 繆, which is typically read as mau6 in Cantonese, whereas in the context of the idiom it is read as mau4.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
