ngan3 ngan3 haa5䟴䟴吓
Jyutpingngan3 ngan3 haa5
Yalengan ngan háh
Definition
To shake one's body or leg rhythmically.
colloquialbodydaily actions
How it's used
This term is almost exclusively used to describe the annoying habit of bouncing one's leg while sitting. It carries a negative connotation of being restless, impatient, or lacking proper etiquette in public settings. When someone tells you to stop, they will often say 唔好䟴腳.
Related words
Common phrases
to shake one's leg
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with general shaking or trembling, as it specifically refers to the repetitive, rhythmic motion of the leg or foot while seated. It is considered rude in formal or professional environments.
Grammar color guide
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Verb
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Adverb
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Particle
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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.
