zai1 sak1擠塞挤塞
Jyutpingzai1 sak1
Yalejāi sāk
Definition
Congested or jammed, especially referring to heavy and slow-moving traffic.
neutraltransport
How it's used
While 擠塞 is widely understood, local speakers often prefer using 塞車 to describe the state of traffic being stuck. 擠塞 carries a slightly more formal or descriptive tone, frequently appearing in news reports or traffic updates. It specifically highlights the density and lack of movement rather than just the act of being stuck.
Examples
The road is so congested today, I got home much later than expected.
Look at how jammed it is ahead, why don't we take the MTR instead?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using 擠塞 to describe crowded places like shopping malls or markets, as it is almost exclusively reserved for vehicular traffic. For people-crowded situations, use 迫 instead.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
