zau2 zaan2走盞走盏

Jyutpingzau2 zaan2

Yalejáu jáan

動詞

Definition

Leeway, flexibility, or room for changes and compromise when handling a matter.

colloquialworkdaily actions

How it's used

Originating from the world of gambling and street markets, this term describes the ability to maneuver or find an exit when cornered. It is frequently used in professional or logistical contexts to describe flexibility in deadlines, budgets, or rules. It implies a strategic, pragmatic approach to problem solving rather than just being indecisive.

Examples

le1呢gin2件si6事zung6仲jau5有mou5冇wai6位zau2走zaan2盞aa4呀？

Is there still any room for negotiation on this matter?

nei5你jyu6預sung1鬆di1啲si4時gaan3間，dang2等zan6陣jau5有me1咩dat6突faat3發si6事dou1都ho2可ji5以zau2走zaan2盞。

Leave some extra time so you have some leeway if something unexpected happens.

Common phrases

zau2走zaan2盞wai6位

room for maneuver

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with 走人, which means to leave or escape. While both involve the character 走, 走盞 is about creating or finding flexibility within a situation, whereas 走人 is simply about departing.