mong6 cyun1 cau1 seoi2望穿秋水

Jyutpingmong6 cyun1 cau1 seoi2

Yalemohng chyūn chāu séui

動詞

Definition

To look forward to eagerly; to await with deep longing.

colloquialemotion

How it's used

This idiom carries a poetic and slightly dramatic flair, often used to emphasize the intensity of longing or the passage of time during a wait. It is common to pair it with verbs like 等 or 盼 to highlight the active state of anticipation. While it originates from classical literature, it is perfectly acceptable in modern spoken Cantonese to express deep impatience or yearning.

Examples

ngo5我dang2等zo2咗nei5你seng4成maan5晚，zan1真hai6係mong6望cyun1穿cau1秋seoi2水aa4呀。

I waited for you all night, I was really waiting so eagerly.

nei5你hai6係mai6咪mong6望cyun1穿cau1秋seoi2水gam3咁dang2等gan2緊keoi5佢siu1消sik1息？

Are you waiting so eagerly for news from him?

Common phrases

dang2等dou3到mong6望cyun1穿cau1秋seoi2水

waited until one's eyes were worn out

Common mistake

Avoid using this for mundane waiting, such as waiting for a bus or a table at a restaurant, as it implies a deep emotional connection or a very significant event. Using it for trivial matters can sound overly dramatic or sarcastic.