wan2 zau1 gung1搵周公揾周公
Jyutpingwan2 zau1 gung1
Yalewán jāu gūng
Definition
To go to sleep or take a nap.
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
This is a playful, idiomatic way to describe heading to bed, derived from the mythological figure Zhou Gong who is said to appear in dreams. It carries a lighthearted, slightly childish tone that is perfect for casual conversation with friends or family. Avoid using this in professional or formal settings where a direct term like 瞓覺 is more appropriate.
Examples
I am so sleepy, I need to go to sleep.
You still haven't gone to sleep? You need to wake up early tomorrow.
Related words
Common phrases
preparing to go to sleep
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with literal dream interpretation or religious worship, as it is purely a metaphorical expression for the act of falling asleep. It is also not used to describe the state of being asleep, but rather the action of going to bed.
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.
