sau2 hau6守候
Jyutpingsau2 hau6
Yalesáu hauh
Definition
To wait for, watch over, or expect.
neutraldaily actionsemotion
How it's used
Carries a sense of loyalty or dedication that is absent in the neutral term 等. It often implies waiting for someone or something important, such as a loved one or a significant event, rather than just waiting for a bus or a friend. The term is frequently used in romantic or dramatic contexts to emphasize the patience and emotional investment of the person waiting.
Examples
He waited at the door for the whole night.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this for mundane tasks like waiting for a train or a table at a restaurant, as it sounds overly dramatic or poetic in those scenarios. Use 等 or 等候 instead for everyday situations.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
