wu1 dai1 san1烏低身乌低身
Jyutpingwu1 dai1 san1
Yalewū dāi sān
Definition
To bend down; to bend one's upper body forward towards the ground.
colloquialbodydaily actions
How it's used
Focuses specifically on the physical action of lowering the upper body towards the ground, often to look at something low or to pick up an object. It implies a deliberate movement rather than just a posture. It is frequently used when warning someone about back pain or when giving instructions to look for items in low places.
Examples
Bend down and see if there is anything under the bed.
He hurt his waist as soon as he bent down to pick something up.
Related words
Common phrases
bend down to pick something up
bend down to take a look
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 彎腰, which is a more formal or general term for bending the waist. 烏低身 is strictly colloquial and describes the specific action of lowering one's head and torso, whereas 彎腰 can simply mean to arch the back.
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.
