zo2 zai6阻滯阻滞
Jyutpingzo2 zai6
Yalejó jaih
Definition
An obstacle, hindrance, delay, or hitch.
colloquialworkdaily actions
How it's used
Focuses on the delay or friction caused by an external factor rather than a complete halt. It is frequently used to describe minor setbacks in a process or plan that prevent things from moving forward at the expected pace. It carries a slightly more formal tone than everyday words like 麻煩, making it suitable for professional settings or when explaining a delay to a superior.
Examples
Work went smoothly today, there were no hitches.
Did you encounter any obstacles while working?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using it to describe a physical blockage of a road or path, as that is better expressed by 塞車 or 阻住. It specifically refers to abstract delays or procedural hurdles.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
