jau5 zaa1 naa4有揸拿
Jyutpingjau5 zaa1 naa4
Yaleyáuh jā nàh
Definition
To have a guarantee of success, or to have something reliable to hold onto.
colloquialworkdescriptions
How it's used
Originating from the Cantonese verb 揸 meaning to hold or grasp, this term describes a situation where one has a firm grip on the outcome or possesses sufficient evidence to guarantee success. It is frequently used in professional or negotiation contexts to assess whether a plan is reliable or if a person is speaking with authority. When someone says they have no 揸拿, they are expressing a lack of certainty or a feeling that a situation is too risky to proceed.
Examples
Are you confident about this business deal yet?
He sounds very confident and sure of himself, doesn't seem like he's lying.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with general confidence, but it specifically implies having a concrete basis, proof, or a clear path to success rather than just a positive attitude.
Grammar color guide
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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.
