kap1 kap1 gung3岌岌貢岌岌贡
Jyutpingkap1 kap1 gung3
Yalekāp kāp gung
Definition
Wobbling, shaking, or rocking; unstable and seemingly about to fall or break apart.
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How it's used
Describes an object that is physically unstable and prone to tipping over or falling apart due to poor balance or loose construction. It captures the repetitive, annoying movement of something that should be stationary but is not. Use it for furniture, loose shelves, or even a loose tooth that is about to fall out.
Examples
The chair leg is uneven, it keeps wobbling when I sit on it.
Your shelf is placed so high and it is wobbling, that is very dangerous.
Related words
Common phrases
the table is wobbling
the tooth is loose
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 搖擺, which is a more formal or neutral term for swaying or swinging. 岌岌貢 implies a negative, precarious state where the object is likely to fail or cause an accident.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
