ngaai4 gaang1 dai2 je6挨更抵夜
Jyutpingngaai4 gaang1 dai2 je6
Yalengàaih gāang dái yeh
Definition
To stay up late or work through the night.
colloquialdaily actionswork
How it's used
This idiom carries a strong sense of physical exhaustion and sacrifice, often implying that the person is working hard or struggling through the night. It is more descriptive and emotive than simply saying 熬夜, as it highlights the endurance required to push through the late hours. You will frequently hear it used to express sympathy for someone who is overworked or to complain about one's own lack of sleep.
Examples
He has been staying up all night working lately.
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply staying up late for fun, as the term carries an inherent nuance of hardship or being forced by circumstances. Using it to describe a casual night out might sound overly dramatic or misplaced.
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.
