tai2 gwo3 sin1睇過先睇过先
Jyutpingtai2 gwo3 sin1
Yaletái gwo sīn
Definition
To wait and see what happens, or to double-check something, before making a decision or confirmation.
colloquialdaily actionscommunication
How it's used
This phrase is a quintessential example of the Cantonese preference for caution and flexibility. It functions as a verbal buffer, allowing the speaker to avoid making a firm commitment while maintaining a polite and non-confrontational stance. The rising intonation at the end is crucial, as it signals that the speaker is still processing information and is not yet ready to provide a definitive answer.
Examples
Does this shirt look good? Let's check it out first!
Are we going hiking tomorrow? Let's see how things go first.
Common phrases
wait and see before deciding
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal command to look at something with one's eyes. It is actually an idiomatic way to express hesitation or a need for more time to evaluate a situation before agreeing to a plan.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
