saang1 ngaang6生硬

Jyutpingsaang1 ngaang6

Yalesāang ngaahng

形容詞Uncommon

Definition

Stiff, rigid, or unnatural in movement, skill, or attitude.

unnatural, stiff, or clumsy in movement or expression
stiff, cold, or harsh in attitude or manner

colloquialdescriptions

How it's used

Describes anything that lacks fluidity or natural grace, whether it is physical movement, a social interaction, or a translation. It carries a sense of being forced or lacking the necessary practice to appear effortless. Use it when someone is trying too hard to be formal or polite, resulting in an awkward atmosphere.

Examples

keoi5佢gong2講je5嘢hou2好saang1生ngaang6硬，teng1聽lok6落hou2好ci5似bui6背syu1書gam3咁。

He speaks so stiffly, it sounds like he is reciting a script.

nei5你go3個siu3笑jung4容gam3咁saang1生ngaang6硬，fong3放sung1鬆di1啲laa1啦。

Your smile is so unnatural, just relax a bit.

Common phrases

taai3態dou6度saang1生ngaang6硬

stiff or blunt attitude

dung6動zok3作saang1生ngaang6硬

stiff movements

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with 僵硬, which specifically refers to physical stiffness or rigidity of the body, such as muscles or joints. 生硬 is broader and often applies to abstract concepts like tone, language, or social performance.