waak6 dei6 wai4 lou4畫地為牢画地为牢
Jyutpingwaak6 dei6 wai4 lou4
Yalewaahk deih wàih lòuh
Definition
To restrict oneself to a narrow range of activities; to draw a circle on the ground as a prison.
- figurativeto restrict oneself to a narrow range of activities
- literaryto draw a circle on the ground as a prison
neutralpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Originating from ancient Chinese history, this idiom describes a prisoner who would not step outside a circle drawn on the ground by his captor. In modern Cantonese, it is used metaphorically to describe someone who is mentally or socially stuck in their own comfort zone. It carries a slightly critical tone, suggesting that the person is unnecessarily hindering their own growth or opportunities.
Examples
He always confines himself to his own circle, how can he make new friends?
Related words
Common phrases
to confine oneself
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal description of drawing a circle on the ground. It is strictly used as a metaphor for self-imposed limitations, so avoid using it when talking about physical boundaries or actual fences.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
