to1 maa5拖馬拖马
Jyutpingto1 maa5
Yaletō máh
Definition
To call for backup; to gather followers, friends, or associates to come and help.
colloquialpeopleslang
How it's used
Originating from triad slang, this term implies summoning a group of people to support you in a confrontation or a difficult situation. While it retains a slightly aggressive or street-smart undertone, it is often used humorously or hyperbolically among friends when someone needs extra hands for a task or moral support in an argument.
Examples
They have strength in numbers, hurry up and call for backup to come help.
Do you need to call for backup? I can handle it alone.
Related words
Common phrases
call for backup to assist
Common mistake
Avoid using this in formal or professional settings, as it carries a strong connotation of gang culture or street fighting. It is strictly for informal, colloquial contexts among peers.
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.
