zan3 ging1震驚震惊
Jyutpingzan3 ging1
Yalejan gīng
Definition
To shock, astonish, or startle someone suddenly and deeply.
neutralemotioncommunication
How it's used
This term is primarily used in formal or journalistic contexts to describe major, often negative, public events. In casual daily conversation, native speakers are much more likely to use 嚇親 to express being shocked or startled by something.
Examples
What he said really shocked everyone present.
Were you shocked when you heard this news?
Related words
Common phrases
shock the whole nation
shock the entire audience
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe minor personal surprises, as it implies a level of gravity or scale that sounds unnatural for everyday trivial matters.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
