tai4 fong4提防
Jyutpingtai4 fong4
Yaletàih fòhng
Definition
To beware of; to guard against; to keep a close eye on people or things to prevent harm.
neutralpeopledaily actions
How it's used
Focuses on maintaining a state of vigilance or caution to prevent potential harm or deception. It carries a slightly more formal or serious tone than simply saying 小心, often implying a need for strategic awareness rather than just immediate physical safety.
Examples
You need to watch out for pickpockets when you go out.
Related words
Common phrases
beware of pickpockets
guard against being deceived
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 小心, but 提防 specifically implies a defensive stance against a potential threat or malicious intent, whereas 小心 is a broader term for general caution or care.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- 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.
