jiu2擾扰
Jyutpingjiu2
Yaleyíu
Definition
To disturb, disrupt, or cause trouble; to upset a peaceful state.
colloquialdaily actionspeople
How it's used
This character is rarely used as a standalone verb in modern spoken Cantonese, appearing almost exclusively in compound words like 騷擾. When people want to express the act of disturbing someone, they typically use 搞 or 騷擾 instead. Using 擾 alone can sound formal or literary, often appearing in written notices or news reports rather than casual conversation.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often try to use 擾 as a direct translation for the English verb disturb, but it sounds unnatural in everyday speech. Use 搞 or 騷擾 to sound more like a native speaker.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
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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.
