can2捵

Jyutpingcan2

Yalechán

Definition

To roll about or flop around, especially tossing and turning while lying in bed.

colloquialdaily actionsanimals

How it's used

Focuses on the physical act of rolling or tossing, often implying a lack of stillness or comfort. While it frequently appears in the idiom 捵牀捵蓆 to describe insomnia, it is also commonly used for pets or children playing on the ground. The movement is typically repetitive and side to side rather than a single roll.

Examples

keoi5佢seng4成maan5晚喺hai2牀cong4度dou6捵din2嚟lai4捵din2去，heoi3好hou2似ci5好hou2唔m4舒syu1服fuk6咁。

He tossed and turned in bed all night, looking quite uncomfortable.

zek3隻maau1貓喺hai2地dei6下haa6捵din2嚟lai4捵din2去，heoi3好hou2似ci5想soeng2人jan4同tung4佢keoi5玩。

The cat is rolling around on the floor, as if it wants someone to play with it.

Common phrases

din2捵cong4牀din2捵zek6蓆

to toss and turn in bed

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with 碌, which is a more general term for rolling an object or a person. 捵 specifically emphasizes the restless, back and forth nature of the movement, especially when lying down.