tung1 seoi2通水
Jyutpingtung1 seoi2
Yaletūng séui
Definition
To tip someone off, cheat, or secretly pass information.
- slangto cheat in an exam by passing answers or receiving hints
- slangTo tip someone off, give secret information, or leak hints
colloquialcommunicationother
How it's used
Originally referring to the practice of passing water through a pipe, this term has evolved into a common metaphor for leaking sensitive information or providing illicit assistance. It carries a slightly conspiratorial tone, implying that the information is being shared behind someone's back or in violation of established rules. It is most frequently used in contexts involving exams, competitions, or workplace secrets.
Examples
They were caught by the teacher for cheating during the exam.
Related words
Common phrases
to tip someone off
Common mistake
Do not use this to mean simply telling someone information in a neutral way. It specifically implies a secret, often dishonest, or unauthorized act of sharing information that the recipient should not have access to.
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.
