瞓低
fan3 dai1
To lay down in Cantonese is 瞓低 (fan3 dai1).
The phrase 瞓低 is used specifically for the physical act of reclining or lying down to rest or sleep.
Meaning: to place on the ground (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
This phrase is composed of the verb 瞓 (fan3), meaning to sleep or lie down and the directional complement 低 (dai1), which means low.
Which one should you use?
While 瞓低 (fan3 dai1) means to lie down, the phrase 坐低 (co5 dai1) is used to mean 'sit down'.
How do you pronounce it?
fan3 dai1
Did you know?
- In traditional Cantonese culture, the act of 瞓低 is associated with 'qi' flow. Some believe that lying down in specific directions relative to the door can affect one's health or luck.
- If you tell someone to 瞓低 in a commanding tone during a confrontation, it can be interpreted as a demand to surrender or 'get on the ground', similar to police commands in English.
- The sound of the word 瞓 (fan3) is quite similar to the English word 'fun', though the meaning and tone are completely unrelated.
Examples in context
- 我諗你瞓低會好啲。I think it would be better if you lay down.This sentence shows how to suggest that laying down might make someone feel better using 瞓低.Tatoeba #5774675 by nickyeow, translation #5743894 by Cainntear
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ka欣 notices Ka明 looks very tired at home.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan家明，你睇落好攰，快啲瞓低啦。ga1 ming4, nei5 tai2 lok6 hou2 gui6, faai3 di1 fan3 dai1 laa1.Ka Ming, you look exhausted, go lay down quickly.
- 家明 Ka Ming好似係，我真係好想瞓低。hou2 ci4 hai6, ngo5 zan1 hai6 hou2 soeng2 fan3 dai1.I think so, I really want to lay down.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan我幫你攞塊毯嚟。ngo5 bong1 nei5 lo2 faai3 taam3 lei4.I will get a blanket for you.
- 家明 Ka Ming多謝你，嘉欣。do1 ze6 nei5, gaa1 han1.Thank you, Ka欣.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
