gang2 baan2梗板
Jyutpinggang2 baan2
Yalegáng báan
Definition
Rigid, inflexible, or stubborn; mechanical and unable to adapt.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Describes someone who follows rules or routines without any room for adjustment or creative thinking. It carries a slightly negative connotation, implying that the person's approach is outdated or inefficient. It is frequently used in professional or social contexts where adaptability is expected.
Examples
He is very rigid and doesn't know how to adapt.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 固執, which specifically refers to being stubborn or obstinate in one's opinions. 梗板 focuses more on the lack of flexibility in methods or actions rather than a refusal to change one's mind.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
