zan1振
Jyutpingzan1
Yalejān
Definition
To boost, encourage, or stimulate.
neutralemotionwork
How it's used
Functions primarily as a bound morpheme in compound words rather than as a standalone verb in modern speech. It carries a sense of sudden, energetic upward movement or revitalization. When used in the context of personal mood or effort, it almost always appears in the form 振作.
Examples
You need to pull yourself together and stop being sad all the time.
He has been working hard lately, wanting to revitalize the family business.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake it for a general verb for 'to lift' or 'to raise', but it specifically implies a surge of spirit or energy rather than physical lifting.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
