zau2 zaan2走趲走趱

Jyutpingzau2 zaan2

Yalejáu jáan

Definition

Flexibility; room for maneuver or compromise.

colloquialworkdaily actions

How it's used

Originating from the terminology of traditional Chinese medicine and physical movement, this term describes the ability to adjust or maneuver within constraints. It is frequently used in workplace or logistical contexts where rigid adherence to rules would lead to failure. It implies a clever or necessary adaptation rather than just being indecisive.

Examples

le1呢daan1單je5嘢jiu3要zau2走zaan2趲，m4唔hou2好sei2死baan2板。

This matter needs some flexibility, don't be so rigid.

si4時gaan3間gam3咁gan2緊，jau5有mou5冇dak1得zau2走zaan2趲aa4呀？

Time is so tight, is there any room for flexibility?

Common phrases

jyu6預lau4留zau2走zaan2趲

to reserve some flexibility or buffer

mou5冇dak1得zau2走zaan2趲

no room for flexibility

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with 走盞, which is a common homophone used in some regions to mean finding an escape route or a way out of a difficult situation. While they share similar sounds, 走趲 specifically focuses on the room for adjustment or buffer time.