zan3 tan4 tan4震揗揗
Jyutpingzan3 tan4 tan4
Yalejan tàhn tàhn
Definition
To tremble, shiver, or shake from fear, cold, or illness.
colloquialbodydescriptions
How it's used
This reduplicated adjective describes a physical shaking or trembling caused by intense fear, cold, or nervous excitement. It carries a vivid, visceral quality that makes it more expressive than simply saying shaking. It is almost exclusively used in spoken Cantonese to describe a visible, involuntary reaction.
Examples
I was so scared when I saw the ghost that I was trembling.
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 震騰騰, which is often used to describe someone who is nervous, anxious, or panicky about a situation, whereas 震揗揗 leans more heavily towards a physical, involuntary response to external stimuli like cold or extreme fright.
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.
