zoeng1 lo4張羅张罗
Jyutpingzoeng1 lo4
Yalejēung lòh
Definition
To prepare, plan, arrange, or organize.
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
Focuses on the logistical effort of gathering resources or making arrangements for a specific event or task. It implies a sense of running around or putting in active work to ensure everything is ready, rather than just planning in the abstract. It is frequently used in the context of weddings, parties, or emergency relief efforts.
Examples
The family is busy preparing things for the wedding.
Do you need help organizing the supplies?
Related words
Common phrases
to organize a dinner gathering
to run around looking for things
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simple preparation like 準備, which is more general. 張羅 specifically carries the nuance of active, often slightly frantic, coordination and sourcing of items or people.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
