teoi3 hau6退後退后
Jyutpingteoi3 hau6
Yaleteui hauh
Definition
To step back, move backward, or retreat.
colloquialdaily actionstransport
How it's used
Used primarily for physical movement, this term is the standard way to tell someone to step back or retreat from a position. It is more direct than the Mandarin counterpart and is commonly heard in public safety announcements or when navigating crowded spaces. When used in a metaphorical sense, such as retreating from a decision or argument, it often carries a stronger sense of yielding or backing down.
Examples
It is crowded in front, move back a little.
Remember to move back when you see a car coming.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this for abstract concepts like retreating from a goal or backing out of a deal, where Cantonese speakers would prefer phrases like 縮沙 or 放棄.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
