piu1 lau4漂流
Jyutpingpiu1 lau4
Yalepīu làuh
Definition
To drift or float with the current; also used figuratively to describe helplessly following a trend.
- to float or drift on water, carried by the current
- literaryto mindlessly or helplessly follow a trend or historical tide
neutralnaturedescriptions
How it's used
While primarily used for physical objects floating on water, this term is frequently used metaphorically to describe a sense of aimlessness or displacement in urban life. It carries a poetic or melancholic tone, often implying a lack of control over one's circumstances. Unlike simple movement, it suggests being at the mercy of external forces, whether that is a literal current or the pressure of societal trends.
Examples
The pieces of wood are drifting on the river.
He drifts through the city like a lost soul.
Related words
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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).
