tou4 zi1 jiu1 jiu1逃之夭夭
Jyutpingtou4 zi1 jiu1 jiu1
Yaletòuh jī yīu yīu
Definition
To escape without a trace; to slip away or make a getaway.
writtendaily actions
How it's used
Originating from the Book of Songs, this idiom is used in Cantonese to describe someone fleeing or disappearing quickly to avoid trouble. While it is a formal literary expression, it is frequently used in news reports or dramatic storytelling to add a sense of flair or irony when describing criminals or people avoiding responsibility.
Examples
He made his getaway the moment he saw the police.
Related words
Common phrases
to make a quick getaway immediately
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple verb like 走, but it carries a specific nuance of escaping or vanishing completely. It is not used for casual departures like leaving a party or going home, which would be better expressed as 走人 or 返屋企.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
