sung2竦
Jyutpingsung2
Yalesúng
Definition
To hold in high regard or respect; to raise up or crane, such as one's shoulders or neck.
- to respect; to hold in high regard
- to raise up or crane (one's neck or shoulders)
colloquialbodydaily actions
How it's used
Primarily used in the context of body language to describe the act of shrugging or hunching one's shoulders. While it can technically imply respect in literary contexts, this usage is virtually non-existent in modern spoken Cantonese. It is almost exclusively paired with 膊頭 to describe a physical gesture of uncertainty, coldness, or anxiety.
Examples
He is always shrugging his shoulders, looking very nervous.
Related words
Common phrases
to shrug one's shoulders
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with the Mandarin usage of shrugging, but in Cantonese, it is essential to include 膊頭 as the object. Using it alone as a verb for respect will cause confusion as it is not understood that way in daily life.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
