seoi2 paau1水泡
Jyutpingseoi2 paau1
Yaleséui pāau
Definition
A swim ring, lifebuoy, or life preserver; also used figuratively to mean a backup or temporary substitute.
- swim ring; swim tube; lifebuoy; life preserver
- figurativea backup, substitute, or a temporary romantic partner used to pass the time
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
Beyond the literal inflatable ring for swimming, this term is frequently used as a metaphor for a temporary romantic partner or a backup plan. It implies that the person is not a serious choice but rather someone used to fill a void or avoid loneliness. When used in this way, it carries a slightly dismissive or cynical tone.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
If you don't know how to swim, take a swim ring.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the term for a blister, which is also written as 水泡. Context usually makes it clear, but be aware that the physical object and the skin condition share the same characters.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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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).
