zan6 tung3陣痛阵痛
Jyutpingzan6 tung3
Yalejahn tung
Definition
Labour pains; contractions during childbirth.
colloquialhealthfamily
How it's used
Specifically refers to the rhythmic contractions experienced during childbirth rather than general physical pain. While it sounds clinical in some contexts, it is the standard term used by expectant parents and medical staff in Hong Kong. It is often paired with verbs like 開始 or 經歷 to describe the progression of the birthing process.
Measure word
ci3次chiExamples
She has started having labour pains, hurry and take her to the hospital.
Remember to take deep breaths when you are having labour pains.
Related words
Common phrases
to start having labour pains
to experience labour pains
Common mistake
Do not use this word to describe general aches or pains in other parts of the body, such as a headache or stomachache, as it is strictly reserved for the context of labour.
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.
