saan2 zo2散咗
Jyutpingsaan2 zo2
Yalesáan jó
Definition
To have broken up with one's partner.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
Focuses specifically on the end of a romantic relationship. It carries a slightly casual, conversational tone that makes it perfect for gossip or checking in with friends about their relationship status. It is rarely used for professional or formal breakups, such as dissolving a business partnership.
Examples
They dated for a few years, but ended up breaking up.
Related words
Common phrases
broke up with someone
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the standard meaning of 散, which can mean to scatter or disperse. When used for people, it implies the romantic bond has dissolved, not that the individuals have physically moved apart.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
