tou4 wu1塗污涂污
Jyutpingtou4 wu1
Yaletòuh wū
Definition
To deface, scribble on, or vandalize a clean surface.
colloquialdaily actionsdescriptions
How it's used
Focuses specifically on the act of defacing a surface with marks or ink. It carries a negative connotation of ruining something that was previously clean or tidy. While it can describe artistic doodling, it is most often used when someone has damaged property or made a mess.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this for general drawing or painting. It implies a lack of care or intentional vandalism, so using it to describe a child's intentional artwork might sound overly harsh.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
