jiu4搖摇
Jyutpingjiu4
Yaleyìuh
Definition
To shake, wave, or rock; to sway back and forth.
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
Use this verb for rhythmic, back and forth, or side to side movements. It is frequently applied to physical objects like chairs or boats, but also to body parts like hands or heads. When someone shakes their head to say no, you would specifically use 搖頭.
Examples
Stop shaking the chair, it is so annoying.
He saw me and immediately waved his hand to say hello.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 震, which refers to a rapid, involuntary trembling or vibrating motion. 搖 implies a deliberate or external force causing a wider, slower oscillation.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
