zang1掙挣
Jyutpingzang1
Yalejāng
Definition
To struggle or move one's body in an attempt to escape from something.
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
Focuses on the physical act of wriggling or pulling away from a restraint, such as a rope or a person's grip. It conveys a sense of frantic or desperate movement, often used when someone is trying to break free from being held.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the homograph 掙 meaning to earn money, which is pronounced differently in Cantonese. When used for movement, it specifically implies a physical effort to detach oneself.
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.
