sei3 zau1 wai4四周圍四周围
Jyutpingsei3 zau1 wai4
Yalesei jāu wàih
Definition
Surrounding area or everywhere on all sides.
- surroundings; surrounding area; on all sides
- everywhere; all over the place
colloquialplacesdescriptions
How it's used
Often used to emphasize that something is present in every direction or all over a specific area. It carries a more informal and descriptive tone than the formal term 周圍, which can function as a simple preposition. When used to mean everywhere, it is frequently paired with the particle 都 to stress the ubiquity of the subject.
Examples
The area all around the house is full of clutter, it's very messy.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse this with the simple preposition 周圍. While 周圍 can mean just around, 四周圍 strongly implies the entire perimeter or every single spot in the vicinity.
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.
