zaat3 maa5紮馬扎马

Jyutpingzaat3 maa5

Yalejaat máh

語句

Definition

To take up a horse stance in martial arts, or figuratively, to prepare for a fight or confrontation.

to practice the horse stance in Chinese martial arts to train strength and balance
figurativeto take up a stance and prepare to argue, fight, or resist someone

colloquialdaily actionspeople

How it's used

Beyond the literal martial arts meaning of holding a horse stance, this term is frequently used metaphorically to describe someone preparing for a confrontation or digging their heels in during an argument. It carries a sense of physical or psychological bracing, suggesting that the person is ready to stand their ground against opposition. You will often hear it used when someone is being stubborn or refusing to back down from a challenge.

Examples

keoi5佢dei6哋loeng5兩go3個喺hai2街gaai1度dou6紮zaat3晒saai3馬maa5想soeng2打daa2交。

The two of them are squaring up in the street, ready to fight.

nei5你lin6練gung1功jiu3要zaat3紮maa5馬zaat3紮dak1得wan2穩sin1先dak1得㗎。

You need to have a stable stance when practicing your martial arts.

Common phrases

zaat3紮hang4衡maa5馬

to stand one's ground firmly

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with simply standing still, as it specifically implies a tense, ready, or defensive posture. It is rarely used to describe a neutral or relaxed state.