ngaau5 dau1咬兜
Jyutpingngaau5 dau1
Yalengáauh dāu
Definition
To smoke a pipe.
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
This term is a vivid, slightly old-fashioned way to describe the act of holding a pipe in one's mouth. It specifically refers to the physical action of biting or holding the stem, which is why it is often used even when the person is not actively puffing smoke. It carries a distinct, somewhat sophisticated or gentlemanly connotation compared to simply smoking cigarettes.
Examples
He really likes sitting there smoking a pipe.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this for smoking cigarettes or cigars, as it specifically implies the use of a pipe. Using it for other forms of smoking will sound confusing or incorrect to native speakers.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
