zau2 seoi2走水
Jyutpingzau2 seoi2
Yalejáu séui
Definition
To leak water or to catch on fire.
- to leak water
- literaryto catch on fire
colloquialhomedaily actions
How it's used
While this term covers both fire and water leaks, it is most frequently heard in the context of fire in older residential buildings or informal settings. It carries a sense of urgency and alarm, often used by neighbors or bystanders to alert others to an immediate danger. In modern professional or formal contexts, people usually prefer specific terms like 火燭 for fire or 漏水 for water leaks.
Examples
The house seems to be on fire, call the police quickly.
The water pipe is leaking very badly.
Related words
Common phrases
Fire!
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Cantonese slang 走水貨, which refers to smuggling or parallel trading. Using 走水 in a business context might lead people to think you are talking about illegal goods rather than a plumbing issue.
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.
