zoi6 san1在身
Jyutpingzoi6 san1
Yalejoih sān
Definition
To carry on one's person, or to be burdened with responsibilities.
- to carry on one's body or person
- to be burdened or occupied with responsibilities or duties
colloquialworkpeople
How it's used
Often paired with 有 to describe a state of being tied down by specific duties or obligations. It carries a formal or slightly literary weight even when used in spoken Cantonese, making it perfect for politely declining invitations or explaining why one cannot participate in an activity. It implies that the person is not just busy, but specifically committed to a task or role that cannot be easily set aside.
Examples
I have official business today, so I cannot go.
He has a heavy responsibility on his shoulders, how could he have time to play?
Related words
Common phrases
to be on official business
to have a heavy responsibility
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe being physically busy with chores or general housework. It is reserved for professional, official, or significant personal responsibilities like a project, a duty, or a mission.
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.
