gaa1 so2枷鎖枷锁
Jyutpinggaa1 so2
Yalegā só
Definition
Cangue and shackles, or figuratively, shackles and burdens that restrict freedom.
- cangue and shackles used to lock a prisoner's neck and ankles
- figurativeshackles; heavy burdens; constraints
neutralemotiondescriptions
How it's used
Used almost exclusively in a metaphorical sense in modern speech to describe psychological or social constraints. It carries a heavy, almost poetic weight, suggesting that the person is not just restricted but actively suffering under the burden. It is much stronger than simply saying 限制 or 束縛.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He finally let go of the emotional burdens in his heart.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe physical objects like seatbelts or simple ropes, as it implies a deep, often painful, sense of being trapped or oppressed.
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.
