saan3 hoi1散開散开
Jyutpingsaan3 hoi1
Yalesaan hōi
Definition
To disperse, scatter, or move in different directions.
colloquialdaily actionspeople
How it's used
Use this verb when describing a group of people or objects that were previously clustered together but are now moving away from each other. It carries a sense of creating space or clearing an area, making it very common in instructions to crowds. Unlike more formal terms for scattering, this is the go-to choice for everyday physical movement.
Examples
You guys spread out a bit, don't crowd around him.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this for abstract concepts like ideas or information, as it specifically refers to physical movement in space. For spreading news or rumors, use 傳開 instead.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
