A Story

落雨 = raining (落 fall + 雨 rain)

擔遮 = hold umbrella (擔 carry + 遮 umbrella)

行街 = go for a walk (行 walk + 街 street) 


When it rains, grab an umbrella and go out

In Saigon, it's a familiar understanding that when it rains, is when you finally have free time. Most people work street stalls and carts, so when there is rain, there is no one buying from shops. Therefore, no business – all shops close and there’s nothing a vendor can do. Among Cantonese-speaking people, “grab an umbrella and go out” means that when it rains, there’s nothing to do, but to: grab an umbrella, go out, leisurely roam the streets and enjoy the free time.

It was raining. No it was, thunder-and-lightning-storming raining, the other day when Mom smiled and said, “擔遮行街” – grab an umbrella and let’s go out! Mom and Dad both laughed. They laughed also knowing I’d have no idea what this means haha. And then I learn the cultural context.

Date Added: 3/14/2021