zang1 ceoi2爭取争取
Jyutpingzang1 ceoi2
Yalejāng chéui
Definition
To strive for, fight for, or make an effort to achieve something.
neutralworkdaily actions
How it's used
Striving for something often involves a sense of active competition or overcoming obstacles to secure a goal. It is frequently used in professional or formal contexts like workplace negotiations or social movements, but it also appears in everyday speech when discussing limited resources like time or space.
Examples
We need to strive for time to finish the homework.
Are you trying to fight for this opportunity?
Related words
Common phrases
to race against time
to fight for rights and interests
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 搶, which implies grabbing or snatching something physically and aggressively. 爭取 is about effort and negotiation to earn or win something, rather than just taking it by force.
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.
