wui4 maa5 coeng1回馬槍回马枪
Jyutpingwui4 maa5 coeng1
Yalewùih máh chēung
Definition
An unexpected counterstrike or a sudden second strike after returning.
colloquialdaily actionsother
How it's used
Originating from martial arts, this term describes a sudden, unexpected counterattack when an opponent thinks the fight is already over. It is frequently used in news or casual conversation to describe weather patterns, like typhoons that loop back, or someone who returns to a place they just left to settle an unfinished matter. The imagery implies a strategic, somewhat dramatic reversal of the situation.
Examples
He left but then suddenly came back with a surprise move, he scared me to death.
The typhoon is actually making a comeback, everyone needs to be careful.
Related words
Common phrases
to launch a surprise counterattack
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply returning to a place. It specifically carries the nuance of a surprise or a second, often more intense, wave of action that catches people off guard.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
