caan3羼
Jyutpingcaan3
Yalechaan
Definition
To mix or dilute; to be adulterated or disorderly.
- to mix; to dilute; to adulterate
- to confuse; disorderly
colloquialdaily actionsdescriptions
How it's used
Primarily used to describe the act of mixing inferior substances into something of higher quality, such as watering down drinks or adding filler to goods. It carries a negative connotation of impurity or deception. In daily speech, it is often used figuratively to describe the blurring of boundaries between distinct categories.
Examples
The wine is diluted with water, it tastes very bland.
Don't mix up your work matters with your personal matters.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 溝, which is the much more common, neutral word for mixing liquids or ingredients. 羼 is more specific to adulteration or messy, improper mixing.
Grammar color guide
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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.
