zaa1 gan2抓緊抓紧

Jyutpingzaa1 gan2

Yalejā gán

Uncommon

Definition

To grasp firmly, hold tight, or seize an opportunity without letting go.

to grasp firmly; to grip; to hold tight
to seize; to make the most of (time, an opportunity)

colloquialdaily actionsdescriptions

How it's used

While often used for physical gripping, this term is frequently applied to abstract concepts like time or opportunities. It implies a sense of urgency or the need to prevent something from slipping away. It carries a stronger, more active connotation than simply holding something.

Examples

nei5你jat1一ding6定jiu3要zaau2抓gan2緊fu4扶sau2手，gaa3架ce1車hou2好faai3快㗎。

You must hold the handrail tight, the vehicle is moving very fast.

gei1機wui6會lai4嚟laa3喇，nei5你zung6仲m4唔zaau2抓gan2緊keoi5佢？

The opportunity is here, why aren't you seizing it?

Related words

synonymzuk1 zyu6捉住jūk jyuh

Common phrases

zaau2抓gan2緊si4時gei1機

seize the opportunity

make the most of one's time

Common mistake

Learners often confuse this with 捉住, which is more commonly used for physically catching or holding a person or object. 抓緊 is preferred when emphasizing the firmness of the grip or the metaphorical act of seizing an abstract chance.