zang1 cyun2掙揣挣揣

Jyutpingzang1 cyun2

Yalejāng chyún

Definition

To struggle or strive hard.

colloquialdaily actionswork

How it's used

This term carries a strong sense of physical or mental exertion against difficult circumstances, often implying a sense of desperation or survival. It is more intense than simply working hard, as it suggests fighting against obstacles or a lack of resources. You will often hear it used when discussing the hardships of daily life or the pursuit of success despite limited opportunities.

Examples

keoi5佢wai6為zo2咗sang1生wut6活，mui5每jat6日dou1都hou2好nou5努lik6力gam3咁zang1掙cyun2揣。

He struggles hard every day just to make a living.

nei5你zung6仲gam3咁hau6後saang1生，m4唔hou2好gam3咁faai3快fong3放hei3棄，jiu3要gai3繼zuk6續zang1掙cyun2揣aa4呀。

You are still young, don't give up so soon, you need to keep striving.

Common phrases

wai4為sang1生wut6活zang1掙cyun2揣

struggle for a living

nou5努lik6力zang1掙cyun2揣

strive hard

Common mistake

Learners often confuse this with 掙扎, which is more commonly used for physical struggling or being in a state of indecision. 掙揣 specifically emphasizes the effort put into achieving a goal or maintaining one's livelihood.