bou6 bou6 wai4 jing4步步為營步步为营
Jyutpingbou6 bou6 wai4 jing4
Yalebouh bouh wàih yìhng
Definition
To take precautions at every step; to act cautiously and defensively.
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How it's used
This idiom carries a sense of strategic vigilance, often used in professional or competitive contexts where one mistake could lead to failure. It implies a deliberate, calculated approach rather than just being generally careful. You will frequently hear it applied to business negotiations, political maneuvering, or high-stakes decision making.
Examples
You must be cautious in every step of business, don't be so impulsive.
Facing such a complex environment, how can he act with such caution?
Related words
Common phrases
to handle matters with extreme caution
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for simply being shy or timid, but it specifically describes a proactive, defensive strategy to avoid risk. It is not used for everyday tasks like walking carefully on a slippery floor.
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.
