tau4 dap1 dap1 ngaan5 sap1 sap1頭耷耷，眼濕濕头耷耷，眼湿湿
Jyutpingtau4 dap1 dap1 ngaan5 sap1 sap1
Yaletàuh dāp dāp ngáahn sāp sāp
Definition
Dejected, depressed, and crestfallen; literally with one's head drooping and eyes watering.
colloquialemotionpeople
How it's used
This four-character idiom is a vivid, rhythmic way to describe someone who is visibly upset or depressed. It functions as an adjective phrase to depict a specific body language where the head is bowed in sorrow and the eyes are glassy or watering. It is significantly more expressive and emotive than simply saying someone is sad.
Examples
He is always looking so dejected and teary-eyed, what happened?
Seeing him look so down and on the verge of tears really makes my heart ache.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is physically ill or tired, as it specifically refers to emotional distress or sadness. It is also strictly for describing someone's outward appearance rather than an internal state of mind.
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.
