gau2 cin4糾纏纠缠
Jyutpinggau2 cin4
Yalegáu chìhn
Definition
To entangle or twist together; to persistently pester or harass someone.
- to entangle or twist together
- to persistently pester, bother, or harass someone
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Beyond the literal sense of physical entanglement, this term is frequently used to describe someone who refuses to leave another person alone or keeps bringing up a settled issue. It carries a strong negative connotation of being clingy, persistent, or obstructive. When used in interpersonal contexts, it implies a lack of boundaries that causes significant irritation to the recipient.
Examples
He is always pestering me, it is really annoying.
How much longer do you intend to keep pestering me before you let go?
Related words
Common phrases
entangled and unclear, messy relationship
to pester endlessly
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the simple act of asking or talking, as it specifically implies an unwanted, repetitive, or aggressive persistence that makes the other person feel trapped or harassed.
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.
