zau3 ngok6奏樂奏乐
Jyutpingzau3 ngok6
Yalejau ngohk
Definition
To perform music, usually using musical instruments.
neutraldaily actions
How it's used
This term is primarily reserved for formal or organized musical performances rather than casual jamming or listening to recordings. It carries a sense of ceremony or public display, often involving traditional or classical instruments. In casual settings, people are more likely to use terms like 玩音樂 or 彈奏.
Examples
They are performing music on stage, the atmosphere is very lively.
When will you all start performing music?
Related words
Common phrases
to perform music to add to the festive atmosphere
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with general music listening. Remember that 奏樂 specifically requires the act of playing instruments, so it cannot be used to describe simply putting on a song or enjoying a concert as an audience member.
Grammar color guide
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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.
