sai2 geng2使頸使颈
Jyutpingsai2 geng2
Yalesái géng
Definition
To throw a tantrum, sulk, or act out of spite.
colloquialemotionpeople
How it's used
Refers specifically to a stubborn or sulky refusal to cooperate, often involving a stiffening of the neck muscles as a physical manifestation of defiance. It carries a sense of childishness or petulance, making it more descriptive of a mood than a full-blown explosive outburst. Use it when someone is being uncooperative or difficult out of spite rather than just being angry.
Examples
He is having a tantrum again and refuses to eat.
It is useless to throw a tantrum, just get to work.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with physical neck pain or stiffness, as it is strictly a behavioral description. It is also not used to describe general anger, but rather the specific act of digging one's heels in.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
