wui4 tong4回塘
Jyutpingwui4 tong4
Yalewùih tòhng
Definition
To regress or decline; especially of skills deteriorating with age or lack of practice.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Originally a term from the fishing industry describing a pond where the water quality has deteriorated, it is now used metaphorically to describe someone who has lost their peak performance. It is most commonly applied to athletes, artists, or professionals who were once highly skilled but are now struggling to maintain their previous standards. The intensifier 晒 is frequently inserted to emphasize the extent of the decline.
Examples
He seems to have really lost his touch at playing ball lately.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the literal meaning of returning to a pond. It is strictly used to describe a decline in ability or performance, so using it to describe physical movement or returning to a location will cause confusion.
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.
