daa2 zai3打掣
Jyutpingdaa2 zai3
Yaledá jai
Definition
To flip a switch or press a button to control an electrical appliance.
colloquialdaily actionshome
How it's used
This term is specifically used for the physical action of flipping a switch, often for lights or electrical appliances. It is a very common, everyday way to describe operating wall switches or power buttons. While it literally translates to hitting a switch, it is the standard way to refer to this action in a domestic setting.
Examples
He turned on the air conditioner switch as soon as he entered the room.
Related words
Common phrases
flick the switch to turn on the light
flick the switch to turn off the light
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin term 開關, which is a noun meaning switch itself. In Cantonese, 打掣 is a verb phrase, so you should not use it as a noun to refer to the switch object.
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.
