ngaa4 gwaan1牙關牙关
Jyutpingngaa4 gwaan1
Yalengàh gwāan
Definition
The jaw or mandibular joint where the upper and lower teeth meet.
colloquialbodydescriptions
How it's used
Focuses primarily on the physical act of clenching the jaw, often used metaphorically to describe enduring extreme hardship or determination. It carries a sense of stoic persistence, suggesting someone is holding back pain or frustration through sheer willpower.
Examples
He was so nervous that he clenched his teeth.
Related words
Common phrases
to grit one's teeth
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the general term for teeth, which is 牙. While 牙關 refers specifically to the joint or the action of clenching, it is rarely used in isolation outside of the phrase 咬緊牙關.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
