zou6 je5做嘢

Jyutpingzou6 je5

Yalejouh yéh

動詞

Definition

To work, take action, or get things done.

to work; to do a job
to take action; to get to work on a task

colloquialworkdaily actions

How it's used

Functions as a versatile verb phrase that covers everything from professional employment to performing a specific task or taking action. It is the standard way to say someone is working, but it can also be used as a command to urge someone to stop procrastinating and start a project. Unlike the formal 工作, it carries a sense of immediate, tangible activity.

Examples

keoi5佢喺hai2公gung1司si1做zou6緊gan2嘢，je5唔m4好hou2打daa2擾jiu2佢。

He is working at the office, don't disturb him.

nei5你zung6仲m4唔faai3快di1啲zou6做je5嘢，ci4遲dou3到zau6就daai6大wok6鑊laa3喇！

Why aren't you getting to work yet? You'll be in big trouble if you're late!

Common phrases

faan1返gung1工zou6做je5嘢

to go to work and do one's job

jing2認zan1真zou6做je5嘢

to work seriously

Common mistake

Avoid using it to mean creating an object, as it focuses on the act of working or performing a task rather than the manufacturing process. It is also not used to describe the state of being employed in a general sense, where one might prefer to say 佢有份工.