goeng1僵
Jyutpinggoeng1
Yalegēung
Definition
Stiff and numb, or tense and rigid.
- stiff and numb; lacking feeling
- figurativetense, hostile, and rigid
colloquialbodyemotion
How it's used
Beyond describing physical numbness from cold, this word effectively captures social awkwardness or a sudden breakdown in communication. When a conversation turns sour or reaches an impasse, it is described as 僵咗, implying that the flow of interaction has frozen up. It is rarely used to describe inanimate objects that are simply hard or solid, as those are better served by 硬.
Examples
It's so cold that my hands have gone completely numb.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a stiff neck or muscle pain, as that is usually referred to as 頸梗膊痛 or 肌肉僵硬 in a more clinical sense. In casual speech, 僵 is reserved for the sensation of losing feeling due to cold or the sudden onset of a tense, awkward atmosphere.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
