sang3蹭
Jyutpingsang3
Yalesang
Definition
To rub against, smear, or scrape; also to freeload or dilly-dally.
- to rub against, scrape, or smear
- slangto freeload, sponge off someone, or get for free
- to dilly-dally, dawdle, or move slowly
colloquialdaily actionspeople
How it's used
Primarily used in the sense of freeloading or taking advantage of someone else's resources, such as蹭飯 for free meals or蹭網 for using someone else's Wi-Fi. It carries a slightly negative or cheeky connotation of being a bit of a parasite. In physical contexts, it describes a light, repetitive rubbing motion, often used when describing animals or children leaning against someone for affection.
Examples
He always goes to other people's houses to freeload meals.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 擦, which is used for wiping or scrubbing surfaces. While 蹭 implies a casual or unwanted contact, 擦 is usually purposeful cleaning or applying something.
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.
