sei3 wai4四圍四围
Jyutpingsei3 wai4
Yalesei wàih
Definition
Surrounding area, all sides, or everywhere.
- surrounding area; surroundings; all sides
- everywhere; all over the place
colloquialplacesdaily actions
How it's used
Functions both as a noun referring to the surrounding area and as an adverb meaning everywhere or all over the place. When used as an adverb, it often implies a sense of aimlessness or lack of focus, such as looking or walking without a specific destination. It is a very common way to describe movement or searching in daily life.
Examples
He goes around playing everywhere and rarely comes home.
Why are you looking around?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 圍住, which specifically means to surround or encircle something. While 四圍 describes the general vicinity or the act of moving about, 圍住 emphasizes the physical act of enclosing an object or person.
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.
