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Jyutpingding2 ngaang6 soeng5
Yaledíng ngaahng séuhng
Definition
To press on, grit one's teeth, and persevere despite facing great difficulties.
colloquialdaily actionswork
How it's used
This expression carries a strong sense of grit and resilience, often used when someone is forced to continue despite being exhausted or facing overwhelming odds. It implies a sense of duty or necessity rather than just simple perseverance. It is a quintessential Cantonese phrase that captures the local spirit of working hard under pressure.
Examples
Although the job is very tough, I have to push through.
Do you still have the strength to carry on?
Related words
Common phrases
to push through to the very end
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply working hard, as it specifically implies pushing through a situation that is already difficult or painful. It is not used for routine tasks but rather for moments of crisis or extreme challenge.
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.
