daa2 zoeng3 zai2打仗仔
Jyutpingdaa2 zoeng3 zai2
Yaledá jeung jái
Definition
Children playing games that mimic fighting or going to war.
colloquialpeopledaily actions
How it's used
This term specifically describes the imaginative play of children mimicking combat, often involving toy weapons or just sticks. It carries a sense of nostalgia for childhood innocence and simple, unstructured outdoor play. Unlike actual fighting, it is understood by all participants as a game.
Examples
They used to play war games in the park when they were little.
Stop playing war games, you are breaking all the toys.
Related words
Common phrases
playing war games when young
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 打仗, which refers to actual military conflict or war. Adding the diminutive suffix 仔 changes the meaning from a serious, dangerous event to a harmless childhood activity.
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.
