tin1 gwong1 daai6 baak6天光大白
Jyutpingtin1 gwong1 daai6 baak6
Yaletīn gwōng daaih baahk
Definition
Broad daylight; fully bright.
colloquialtimedescriptions
How it's used
This phrase carries a strong sense of audacity or exposure, often used to emphasize that an event happened when everyone could see it. It is frequently employed to highlight the shock or boldness of an action that would normally be hidden under the cover of darkness. Unlike neutral descriptions of time, it implies a contrast between the expected secrecy of an act and the reality of the bright, visible surroundings.
Examples
He actually dared to steal things in broad daylight.
It's broad daylight already, why aren't you up for work yet?
Related words
Common phrases
in broad daylight
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple time reference, but it is heavily loaded with the connotation of being 'exposed' or 'caught in the act'. Avoid using it to describe routine morning activities, as it is almost exclusively reserved for situations involving surprise, crime, or public scrutiny.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
