tau4 dap1 dap1頭耷耷头耷耷
Jyutpingtau4 dap1 dap1
Yaletàuh dāp dāp
Definition
To hang one's head down, showing negative emotions like sadness, dejection, or shyness.
colloquialemotiondescriptions
How it's used
This expression vividly captures the physical posture associated with low spirits or shame. It is primarily used to describe someone who is visibly dejected or lacking energy, rather than just someone who is physically looking at the ground. It carries a sense of sympathy or concern when used in questions.
Examples
Why are you looking so down? Are you unhappy?
Related words
Common phrases
dejected and teary-eyed
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is simply looking down at their phone or reading a book, as it specifically implies a negative emotional state or a lack of confidence.
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.
