waan4 fo2玩火
Jyutpingwaan4 fo2
Yalewàahn fó
Definition
To play with fire; to do something risky and dangerous.
colloquialdaily actionsemotion
How it's used
Carries a strong sense of warning against reckless behavior that will inevitably lead to self destruction. It is most commonly used when someone is knowingly engaging in a situation that is morally, legally, or socially volatile. The phrase implies that the person is aware of the danger but is choosing to ignore the consequences.
Examples
You are playing with fire by challenging his bottom line like that.
ming4明zi1知go3個tau4投zi1資hong6項muk6目jau5有man6問tai4題zung6仲jiu3要jap6入cin2錢，nei5你hai6係mai6咪waan2玩fo2火aa4呀？
Knowing the investment project is problematic but still putting money in, are you playing with fire?
Related words
Common phrases
simply playing with fire
do not play with fire
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe simple physical danger like climbing a tree or crossing a busy road. It is reserved for situations where the danger is a result of a calculated, albeit foolish, choice or a power struggle.
Grammar color guide
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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.
