gam3 zuk1禁足
Jyutpinggam3 zuk1
Yalegam jūk
Definition
To ground someone, or to forbid them from leaving a specific area.
colloquialfamilydaily actions
How it's used
Originally referring to strict house arrest or legal restrictions on movement, this term has become common in family settings to describe punishing children or teenagers. It carries a sense of authority and firm discipline compared to simply saying someone cannot go out. It is rarely used for minor restrictions, implying a formal or serious prohibition on leaving the home.
Examples
He is grounded by his family again and cannot go out to play.
If you do not listen again, I will ground you!
Related words
Common phrases
to be grounded by someone
long-term grounding
Common mistake
Avoid using this for simple social plans where someone is just busy or chooses to stay home. It specifically implies an external authority figure is enforcing the restriction as a form of control or punishment.
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.
