zaat3 maa5扎馬扎马

Jyutpingzaat3 maa5

Yalejaat máh

Definition

To stand in a horse stance; a foundational posture in Chinese martial arts.

colloquialsportsdaily actions

How it's used

Originally a fundamental training posture in martial arts, this term is frequently used metaphorically in daily life to describe someone standing firmly in one spot for a long time, such as waiting in a long queue or standing on a crowded bus. It implies a sense of stability and endurance, often with a hint of physical exertion or stubbornness.

Examples

nei5你mui5每jat6日jau5有mou5冇lin6練zaat3扎maa5馬aa4呀？

Do you practice horse stance every day?

zaat3扎maa5馬zaat3扎dou3到goek3腳zan3震saai3晒laa3喇。

My legs are shaking from holding the horse stance.

Common phrases

zaat3扎maa5馬bou6步

to perform the horse stance

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with simply standing still, as it specifically implies a low, wide, and stable posture that requires effort, similar to the stance used in Kung Fu.