zau1 syun4周旋
Jyutpingzau1 syun4
Yalejāu syùhn
Definition
To deal with, cope with, or handle people.
colloquialpeoplework
How it's used
This term implies a sense of tactical maneuvering or playing a social game rather than just solving a problem. It is typically used when someone must maintain a polite or professional front while navigating difficult, persistent, or manipulative individuals. It carries a slightly weary tone, suggesting the process is repetitive and mentally draining.
Examples
He always has to deal with those customers.
How do you cope with those troublesome people?
Related words
Common phrases
to deal with people
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 應付, which is a neutral term for handling a task or person. 周旋 specifically highlights the back and forth, often indirect, nature of the interaction.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
