jiu4 jai6搖曳摇曳

Jyutpingjiu4 jai6

Yaleyìuh yaih

Definition

To sway gently (as in the wind); (of a flame) to flicker

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How it's used

Focuses on the graceful or rhythmic movement of objects rather than the forceful swinging of limbs or heavy machinery. It is frequently used in descriptive or literary contexts to evoke a sense of elegance or instability. While it can apply to inanimate objects, it is rarely used to describe the intentional movement of people.

Examples

di1 faa1 hai2 fung1 jap6 min6 jiu4 jai6

啲花喺風入面搖曳。

The flowers are swaying in the wind.

zaan2 dang1 jiu4 jai6 dak1 hou2 lei6 hoi6

盞燈搖曳得好厲害。

The lamp is swinging quite violently.

Common phrases

ceoi4 fung1 jiu4 jai6

隨風搖曳

swaying with the wind

dang1 fo2 jiu4 jai6

燈火搖曳

flickering or swaying lamplight

Common mistake

Avoid using this to describe human movement, as it sounds unnatural or overly poetic. For human actions like swinging arms or walking, use 擺動 or 搖擺 instead.