zaat3 saai3 maa5紮晒馬扎晒马

Jyutpingzaat3 saai3 maa5

Yalejaat saai máh

動詞

Definition

To prepare for a fight; to strike a horse stance in preparation to brawl.

colloquialpeopledaily actions

How it's used

Originally referring to the horse stance in martial arts, this phrase has evolved into a common metaphor for someone adopting an aggressive or confrontational posture. It implies that the person is not just physically ready, but mentally braced for a conflict or a heated argument. It is frequently used to describe people who are being unnecessarily defensive or hostile during a discussion.

Examples

keoi5佢dei6哋jat1一gin3見min6面zau6就zaat3紮saai3晒maa5馬，hou2好ci5似soeng2想daa2打gaau1交gam3咁。

They stand in a fighting stance as soon as they meet, as if they want to fight.

nei5你zou6做me1咩zaat3紮saai3晒maa5馬aa4呀？jau5有je5嘢maan6慢maan2慢gong2講laa1啦。

Why are you getting all defensive and ready to fight? Let's talk things through calmly.

Common phrases

zaat3紮saai3晒maa5馬gam3咁

acting as if one is ready to fight

Common mistake

Do not use this to describe someone simply standing still or exercising. It specifically carries the connotation of preparing for a confrontation or a verbal clash, so using it in a neutral context will sound confusing or overly aggressive.