zap1 kan4執勤执勤
Jyutpingzap1 kan4
Yalejāp kàhn
Definition
To be on duty or carry out official duties, especially in public.
neutralworkpeople
How it's used
Reserved almost exclusively for uniformed personnel like police officers, security guards, or paramedics who are actively working in public spaces. It carries a formal weight that implies a sense of responsibility and official authority. You would not use this to describe a typical office worker sitting at a desk.
Examples
Police officers should have a better attitude when they are on duty on the street.
Do you know what time he starts his shift?
Related words
Common phrases
during the period of being on duty
responsible for being on duty
Common mistake
Avoid using this for general office work or casual tasks. It sounds overly dramatic or official if applied to someone just doing their regular desk job.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
