zan3震
Jyutpingzan3
Yalejan
Definition
To shake, vibrate, or shudder continuously and rapidly.
colloquialdaily actionsdescriptions
How it's used
Beyond physical movement, this word is frequently used to describe the internal feeling of being terrified or shocked. When someone is extremely scared, they might say 嚇到震, which captures the visceral reaction of trembling. It is also the standard term for the vibration mode on electronic devices.
Examples
The phone has been vibrating for a long time.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 搖, which implies a slower, intentional rocking or swaying motion. 震 specifically implies a rapid, involuntary, or high frequency trembling or shuddering.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
