zok3 baa6作罷作罢
Jyutpingzok3 baa6
Yalejok bah
Definition
To drop a matter; to give up on doing something.
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
Carries a slightly formal or literary tone despite its common use in spoken Cantonese. It often implies a deliberate decision to stop pursuing a goal because the circumstances have become unfavorable or futile. It feels more final and decisive than simply saying 算數.
Examples
Since he refuses to help, we have no choice but to give up.
Do you still want to keep arguing, or are you going to let it go?
Related words
Common phrases
have no choice but to give up
Common mistake
Avoid using this in casual, lighthearted situations where 算數 is more appropriate. It sounds overly serious if you are just deciding not to go to a movie or change a minor plan.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
