cau1 cuk1抽搐
Jyutpingcau1 cuk1
Yalechāu chūk
Definition
To cramp, twitch, or convulse; a contraction of the muscular system.
neutralbodyhealth
How it's used
Describes involuntary, repetitive muscle contractions that are often associated with medical conditions or extreme physical distress. While it can refer to a simple leg cramp, it is more frequently used to describe more serious, systemic, or neurological episodes. For minor muscle stiffness or cramps after exercise, locals often prefer using the more casual term 抽筋.
Examples
His leg suddenly cramped, it hurts so much.
Did you eat something wrong that caused your whole body to cramp?
Related words
Common phrases
whole body cramping
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 抽筋, which is the standard term for a common muscle cramp or charley horse. Using 抽搐 in a casual context can sound overly clinical or imply a more severe medical emergency.
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.
