hei2 zaang1起踭
Jyutpinghei2 zaang1
Yalehéi jāng
Definition
To elbow someone
colloquialbodydaily actions
How it's used
Describes a deliberate, aggressive physical action rather than an accidental bump. It carries a strong connotation of hostility or playing dirty in a competitive situation like a sports match or a crowded MTR carriage. The term specifically focuses on the use of the elbow as a weapon.
Examples
keoi5 haang4 gwo3 go2 zan6 zyun1 dang1 hei2 zaang1 zong6 ngo5
佢行過嗰陣專登起踭撞我。
He deliberately elbowed me as he walked past.
nei5 zou6 mat1 mou4 laa1 laa1 hei2 zaang1 zong6 jan4 aa4
你做乜無啦啦起踭撞人呀？
Why did you suddenly elbow someone for no reason?
Related words
Common phrases
hei2 zaang1 zong6 jan4
起踭撞人
to elbow someone
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe accidentally hitting someone with your elbow, which is better expressed as 撞親. Using 起踭 implies intent to cause discomfort or to push someone away.
Tone guide
T1High level
T2High rising
T3Mid level
T4Low falling
T5Low rising
T6Low level
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
