zi1 jau4滋油
Jyutpingzi1 jau4
Yalejī yàuh
Definition
Slow, relaxed, and leisurely in pace or action.
colloquialdescriptionsdaily actions
How it's used
This term often carries a slightly sarcastic or critical undertone when used to describe someone who is moving too slowly or taking it easy when they should be busy. It implies a state of being unhurried or leisurely, sometimes to the point of being perceived as lazy or indifferent by others. It is frequently reduplicated as 滋滋油油 to emphasize the relaxed, carefree nature of the person's behavior.
Examples
I'm off today, I can spend the day relaxing.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin word 自由, which means freedom. While they sound somewhat similar, 滋油 is specifically about a relaxed, unhurried attitude or pace, whereas 自由 refers to liberty or autonomy.
Grammar color guide
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Verb
Adjective
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Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
