nin2跈
Jyutpingnin2
Yalenín
Definition
To tread on, trample, struggle, or tumble.
colloquialdaily actionsbody
How it's used
Primarily used in spoken Cantonese to describe the physical act of stumbling or tripping over an obstacle. It carries a sense of suddenness and often implies a loss of balance while walking or running. It is distinct from falling down intentionally or sitting down, as it specifically captures the moment of losing one's footing.
Examples
Walk carefully, don't trip and hurt your foot.
He just tripped and fell, luckily he is fine.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 跌, which is the general verb for falling. While 跈 focuses on the act of tripping or stumbling, 跌 focuses on the result of hitting the ground.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
