daai6 dei6 zan3大地震
Jyutpingdaai6 dei6 zan3
Yaledaaih deih jan
Definition
A major earthquake; also used figuratively to describe a major shake-up or upheaval.
- a major earthquake
- figurativea major shake-up, shock, or upheaval
colloquialnaturework
How it's used
Beyond the literal geological meaning, this term is frequently used metaphorically to describe sudden, drastic changes in an organization, government, or social structure. It implies a sense of instability and upheaval that affects everyone involved. When used in a professional context, it often signals that key figures have been replaced or that policies have been completely overhauled.
Measure word
coeng4場chèunghExamples
That big earthquake was really terrifying.
There's a big shake-up in the company's upper management, do you know?
Related words
Common phrases
a big earthquake occurs
a major personnel shake-up
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe minor changes or small disagreements. It is reserved for events that cause significant disruption or widespread shock.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
