jan2 sau2忍手
Jyutpingjan2 sau2
Yaleyán sáu
Definition
To restrain oneself from doing something; to hold back.
colloquialdaily actionsshopping
How it's used
Focuses specifically on the physical impulse to act, often involving spending money or touching things. It is frequently used in the negative form 忍唔到手 to describe an irresistible urge to purchase items or intervene in a situation. The phrase implies a struggle between desire and self-control.
Examples
Seeing so many nice clothes, I really cannot restrain myself.
Can you restrain yourself from buying when you see a sale?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 忍心, which means to have the heart to do something cruel or difficult. 忍手 is about physical restraint of an action, whereas 忍心 is about emotional or moral endurance.
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.
