naa4 naa4 lam4拿拿林
Jyutpingnaa4 naa4 lam4
Yalenàh nàh làhm
Definition
To hurry up or do something quickly and without delay.
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
Originating from the English phrase "nine-nine-nine" used for emergency services, this term has evolved into a common adverb for urgency. It carries a slightly impatient or demanding tone, often used when someone is lagging behind or when a task is overdue. It is strictly colloquial and should be avoided in formal writing or professional correspondence.
Examples
Hurry up and pack your things, we need to go.
He told me to get the report done quickly.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the standard Mandarin word 趕緊. While they share the same meaning, 拿拿林 is exclusively spoken Cantonese and sounds very informal, making it unsuitable for serious or polite requests to superiors.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
