zou6 dou3 zek3 zik1 gam2做到隻積咁做到只积咁
Jyutpingzou6 dou3 zek3 zik1 gam2
Yalejouh dou jek jīk gám
Definition
To work extremely hard; to slave away like a dog.
colloquialworkpeople
How it's used
This expression vividly captures the feeling of being overworked to the point of exhaustion. It is a common way to complain about a heavy workload or to express sympathy for someone who is clearly burning out. The imagery of a dog reflects the traditional view of a hardworking animal that serves its master without complaint.
Examples
He has been working like a dog lately, he is so tired.
Related words
Common mistake
Be careful not to use this in formal or professional settings, as it is highly colloquial and carries a strong emotional tone. It is meant for venting to friends or family, not for discussing your workload with a supervisor.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
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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.
