an3 goek3ｕｎ腳ｕｎ脚
Jyutpingan3 goek3
Yalean geuk
Definition
To shake one's leg rhythmically while seated.
colloquialbodydaily actions
How it's used
This term describes a specific habit of bouncing one's leg up and down while seated, often done unconsciously. It is widely considered a sign of impatience, nervousness, or poor manners in traditional Chinese culture. Some people believe that shaking your legs drains away your good fortune or wealth.
Related words
Common phrases
shaking one's leg while sitting
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with physical exercise or intentional leg movement. It specifically refers to the repetitive, involuntary, or habitual bouncing of the heel or foot while the rest of the body remains seated.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
