zau1揪
Jyutpingzau1
Yalejāu
Definition
To catch, scold, or discipline someone, typically done by an authority figure.
colloquialschoolpeople
How it's used
Focuses specifically on the act of catching or reprimanding someone who has violated rules or social norms. It carries a sense of being targeted by an authority figure who is actively looking for trouble. While it can mean scolding, it often implies the initial act of catching the person in the act before the scolding begins.
Examples
If you run in the hallway again, watch out for the prefects.
He was late today and got scolded by the teacher for a long time.
Related words
Common phrases
to get caught or scolded by someone
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin meaning of pulling or tugging. In Cantonese, it is strictly about disciplinary enforcement or reprimanding.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
