caap3 sau2插手
Jyutpingcaap3 sau2
Yalechaap sáu
Definition
To meddle, interfere, or have a hand in a matter midway through.
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
Carries a strong negative connotation of unwanted involvement or overstepping boundaries. It is frequently used to warn someone to stay away from a situation that does not concern them. Unlike simply helping, this implies the person is inserting themselves into a process where they are not invited or needed.
Examples
Why does he have to interfere with our work?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the literal act of putting one's hand into something, as it is almost exclusively used in a metaphorical sense for meddling or interference.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
