coeng2 je5搶嘢抢嘢
Jyutpingcoeng2 je5
Yalechéung yéh
Definition
To rob or take property by force without consent.
colloquialdaily actionspeople
How it's used
While primarily used for criminal robbery, this term is frequently applied in casual, non-criminal contexts to describe someone snatching an item from another person's hand. It carries a sense of abruptness and lack of consent, making it sound quite aggressive even when used playfully between friends. The focus is on the forceful action of taking rather than the legal status of the theft.
Examples
That person is robbing someone on the street, call the police quickly!
Related words
Common phrases
to snatch something in broad daylight on the street
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 偷嘢, which refers to stealing or shoplifting secretly without the victim noticing. 搶嘢 always implies a direct, forceful confrontation or snatching motion.
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.
