tok3 lan2托撚
Jyutpingtok3 lan2
Yaletok lán
Definition
To do something completely pointless, futile, or far beyond one's ability.
slangslangvulgar
How it's used
This is a highly vulgar expression that combines a verb meaning to support or hold up with a common Cantonese profanity. It is used to dismiss an action as futile, stupid, or a waste of effort. Because of the inclusion of 撚, it is strictly restricted to informal settings among close friends and should be avoided in any professional or public context.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal verb related to lifting or supporting. Using this in front of strangers or in a workplace will cause significant offense due to the vulgarity of the second character.
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.
