zan6 goek3陣腳阵脚
Jyutpingzan6 goek3
Yalejahn geuk
Definition
One's plans, arrangements, or tactical positioning, especially in a competitive or high-stakes situation.
colloquialworkother
How it's used
Originally a military term referring to the formation of troops on a battlefield, it is now used metaphorically to describe one's composure, strategy, or fundamental plan. It often appears in negative contexts where someone is caught off guard or loses their footing. Using it implies that the person had a structured approach that has now been disrupted.
Examples
They changed the date suddenly, which really threw my plans into chaos.
What are you afraid of? Just steady your position first.
Related words
Common phrases
to disrupt someone's plans or composure
to steady one's position or regain control
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with general planning terms like 計劃. It specifically carries the nuance of maintaining stability or a defensive position, so it is rarely used to describe the act of making a new plan from scratch.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
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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.
