Hang about Meaning in English
expression
ˈhæŋ/ /əˈbaʊt
HANG uh-BOWT
hˈæŋ/ /ɐbˈaʊt
hang uh-BOWT
Definition
To stay in a place without any clear purpose, often waiting or passing the time casually.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly used in British English; American equivalent is 'hang around'. Implies doing little or nothing; can sound informal or slightly negative if someone is expected to be active. Also used to ask someone to wait: 'Hang about a minute!'.
Spanish: merodear - deambular - esperar sin hacer muchoPortuguese (BR): ficar por aí - rondar - esperar à toaPortuguese (PT): andar por aí - vaguear - esperar à toaChinese (Simplified): 闲逛 - 徘徊 - 无所事事地等Chinese (Traditional): 閒逛 - 徘徊 - 無所事事地等Hindi: आसपास घूमना - वक्त बिताना (काम के बिना)Arabic: يتسكع - يجول بلا هدف - ينتظر بلا فائدةBengali: ঘুরে বেড়ানো - অপেক্ষা করাRussian: ошиваться - слоняться - ждатьJapanese: ぶらぶらする - 待つVietnamese: lang thang - chờ đợiKorean: 어슬렁거리다 - 기다리다Turkish: oyalanmak - beklemekUrdu: گھومنا پھِرنا - انتظار کرناIndonesian: nongkrong - menunggu
Example Sentences
The kids hang about the park after school.
basic
Don't hang about here. It's not safe.
basic
She likes to hang about with her friends at the mall.
basic
I've been hanging about all day waiting for your call.
natural
Just hang about for a sec while I grab my coat.
natural
There always seem to be people hanging about outside the club late at night.
natural