zaat3 gwan3紮棍扎棍

Jyutpingzaat3 gwan3

Yalejaat gwan

Definition

To be beaten up as a punishment for breaking triad rules.

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How it's used

This term originates from triad jargon and refers specifically to a physical punishment inflicted by gang members on their own for violating internal rules. It carries a heavy, threatening tone and is almost exclusively used in contexts involving criminal subcultures or when describing such scenarios in films and television. Using this word in polite or professional settings will sound extremely jarring and inappropriate.

Examples

keoi5佢faan6犯zo2咗bong1幫kwai1規，bei2俾jan4人zaat3紮gwan3棍aa4呀。

He broke the triad rules and got beaten up as punishment.

nei5你zoi3再m4唔teng1聽waa6話，siu2小sam1心bei2俾daai6大lou2佬zaat3紮gwan3棍。

If you don't listen, watch out for getting beaten up by the boss.

Common phrases

bei2俾jan4人zaat3紮gwan3棍

to be beaten up as punishment

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with general terms for physical fighting like 打交, as 紮棍 implies a structured, disciplinary act of violence rather than a random brawl.