daa2 zan3打震
Jyutpingdaa2 zan3
Yaledá jan
Definition
To shiver, tremble, or shake.
colloquialbodydescriptions
How it's used
Describes involuntary shaking caused by intense emotions like fear or physical reactions like extreme cold. Unlike standard verbs for shaking, this specifically captures the visible, rhythmic vibration of the body when someone loses composure or struggles against low temperatures. It is often paired with intensifiers like 成個人 to emphasize that the entire body is affected.
Examples
He saw a ghost and was trembling all over from fear.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 震驚, which refers to the abstract state of being shocked or stunned. 打震 is strictly for the physical manifestation of shaking.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
