jiu4 jai6搖曳摇曳

Jyutpingjiu4 jai6

Yaleyìuh yaih

動詞Rare

Definition

To sway, swing, or flicker, especially describing the movement of objects.

neutraldescriptionsnature

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啲faa1花喺hai2風fung1入jap6面min6搖jiu4曳。

The flowers are swaying in the wind.

zaan2盞dang1燈jiu4搖jai6曳dak1得hou2好lei6厲hoi6害。

The lamp is swinging quite violently.

Common phrases

ceoi4隨fung1風jiu4搖jai6曳

swaying with the wind

dang1燈fo2火jiu4搖jai6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.