zai1擠挤
Jyutpingzai1
Yalejāi
Definition
To put or place.
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
Commonly used in informal speech to describe placing or stuffing items into a space, often implying that the space is somewhat tight or limited. While it functions similarly to 放, it carries a slightly more casual or physical nuance of shoving or tucking things away. It is frequently heard when tidying up or organizing personal belongings in a cluttered area.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to mean placing something carefully or formally, as it implies a more casual or hurried action. It is not interchangeable with 放 in contexts involving abstract concepts or formal arrangements.
Grammar color guide
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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.
