caam4 sik6 king4 tan1蠶食鯨吞蚕食鲸吞
Jyutpingcaam4 sik6 king4 tan1
Yalechàmh sikh kìngh tān
Definition
To nibble at and gobble up; to seize territory using various means
writtenother
How it's used
This idiom describes a process of gradual encroachment followed by a total takeover. It is frequently used in business or political contexts to describe how a larger entity absorbs smaller ones through a combination of subtle pressure and aggressive expansion. Unlike simple theft or conquest, it emphasizes the strategic, multi-stage nature of the takeover.
Examples
keoi5 dei6 gung1 si1 soeng2 caam4 sik6 king4 tan1 sing4 go3 si5 coeng4
佢哋公司想蠶食鯨吞成個市場。
Their company wants to gradually take over the entire market.
ni1 di1 dei6 caan2 soeng1 hai6 mai6 soeng2 caam4 sik6 king4 tan1 fu6 gan6 di1 gau6 lau2
呢啲地產商係咪想蠶食鯨吞附近啲舊樓？
Are these developers trying to slowly swallow up the nearby old buildings?
Related words
Common phrases
caam4 sik6 king4 tan1 si5 coeng4
蠶食鯨吞市場
to nibble away and gobble up the market
Tone guide
T1High level
T2High rising
T3Mid level
T4Low falling
T5Low rising
T6Low level
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.
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- 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.
