zaa1 sau2揸手
Jyutpingzaa1 sau2
Yalejā sáu
Definition
To hold or possess something as an assurance, leverage, or a bargaining chip.
colloquialother
How it's used
Refers specifically to holding leverage, collateral, or proof that ensures a commitment is honored. It implies a transactional relationship where one party needs a tangible asset or piece of information to feel secure about an agreement. Unlike simply holding an object, this carries a sense of strategic advantage or protection against betrayal.
Examples
You must keep some evidence in hand, in case he goes back on his word.
Do you have anything in hand as a guarantee? Otherwise, how can I trust you?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe physically holding an object in your hand, such as holding a pen or a cup. That would be 拎住 or 揸住.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
