saan1拴
Jyutpingsaan1
Yalesāan
Definition
To tie up or fasten with a rope.
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
Use this verb when securing an animal or a vessel to a fixed point with a rope or chain. It implies a sense of restraint or temporary parking rather than just joining two things together. While technically correct, it is often replaced by the more common verb 綁 in casual speech when referring to general objects.
Examples
Please help me tie the dog up at the entrance.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 綁, which is a more general term for tying or binding anything. 拴 specifically carries the nuance of tethering something to a post or anchor point.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
