zou6 gung1做工
Jyutpingzou6 gung1
Yalejouh gūng
Definition
To do manual labor or work with one's hands, or the quality of workmanship.
- to work with one's hands; to do manual labor
- workmanship; craftsmanship
colloquialworkdescriptions
How it's used
Focuses specifically on the quality or the physical process of crafting something rather than the general act of having a job. It is frequently used to evaluate the finish of manufactured goods, clothing, or construction projects. When discussing employment or the act of going to a workplace, Cantonese speakers prefer using 返工.
Examples
His workmanship is very meticulous, there are no flaws at all.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to mean having a job or going to work, as that is strictly reserved for 返工. Using 做工 in that context sounds like you are describing manual labor or a specific craft.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
