saan3 dyut6篡奪篡夺
Jyutpingsaan3 dyut6
Yalesaan dyuht
Definition
To usurp; to seize power or status through illicit or illegitimate means.
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How it's used
This term is formal and carries a strong negative connotation, typically reserved for political contexts or high level organizational power struggles. It implies a sense of betrayal or illegitimate action, making it sound quite dramatic in everyday speech. You will rarely hear it used in casual conversation unless someone is being intentionally hyperbolic or discussing historical events.
Examples
He wants to use underhanded means to usurp the president position.
Who would dare to usurp his power?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 搶, which is a general term for grabbing or snatching something. 篡奪 specifically requires the context of authority, power, or a throne, whereas 搶 can be used for physical objects like a bag or a toy.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
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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.
