waan2 waan2玩玩
Jyutpingwaan2 waan2
Yalewáan wáan
Definition
To play, do something for fun, or try something out casually.
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
Reduplicating a verb like this softens the tone, making the action sound casual, brief, or experimental. It often implies that the speaker is not taking the activity seriously or is just doing it to pass the time. It is frequently used when asking to try out someone else's gadget or hobby.
Examples
Let's go to the beach for a bit of fun later.
Can I have a play with your camera?
Related words
Common phrases
take it to have a play with
go out for some fun
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the reduplicated adjective 玩玩吓, which describes an action that is being done in a non-serious or half-hearted manner. Using 玩玩 as a verb is specifically about the act of playing or trying something out, whereas 玩玩吓 functions as an adverbial phrase describing the state of an ongoing action.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
