pun4 geoi3盤踞盘踞
Jyutpingpun4 geoi3
Yalepùhn geui
Definition
To occupy land illegally or forcibly, using it as a base.
neutralpeopleplaces
How it's used
This term carries a strong sense of illicit or unwanted presence, often implying that the subject is entrenched and difficult to remove. It is frequently used in news reports or dramatic storytelling to describe criminal gangs, rebels, or even pests that have established a stronghold in a specific area. Unlike simple occupation, it suggests a strategic or stubborn refusal to leave.
Examples
Those bad guys are holed up inside the old building.
They have been occupying this hilltop for a long time.
Related words
Common phrases
to hold sway over a region
to occupy a stronghold
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with general verbs for staying or living, but it is strictly reserved for situations involving force, illegality, or a hostile takeover. Do not use it for simply living in a house or staying at a hotel.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
