tok3 paau3托炮
Jyutpingtok3 paau3
Yaletok paau
Definition
To do something pointless or waste time.
- figurativeto do something pointless; to waste time; to idle
- archaicto carry a cannon
colloquialdaily actionsslang
How it's used
Carrying a cannon is physically demanding yet serves no purpose in a civilian context, which is why this phrase captures the essence of idling or engaging in futile tasks. It is often used by supervisors or frustrated peers to call out someone who is physically present but mentally checked out or busy with trivialities. The imagery implies a heavy, cumbersome burden that yields no productive result.
Examples
You guys are always messing around doing nothing, why not go help out?
He was just wasting time all night and didn't do anything serious at all.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with literal military contexts, as it is strictly used as a metaphor for wasting time or being unproductive. Using it in a formal workplace setting can sound quite aggressive or dismissive.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
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Classifier
Particle
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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.
