nau2狃
Jyutpingnau2
Yalenáu
Definition
Accustomed to; familiar with.
colloquialdaily actionsdescriptions
How it's used
This term is primarily used to describe being habituated to a specific behavior or environment, often implying a negative or undesirable persistence. It carries a slightly formal or literary weight compared to the more common colloquial expression 慣咗. You will frequently hear it used when someone has developed a routine that is difficult to break, even if that routine is problematic.
Examples
He is accustomed to this kind of life and does not want to change.
Related words
Common phrases
accustomed to the status quo
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 慣, which is the standard, neutral way to say accustomed. Using 狃 in casual conversation can sound slightly stiff or old fashioned, so it is safer to stick with 慣 unless you are specifically aiming for a more descriptive or literary tone.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- 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.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
