cam4 gan1 gau3 dai2尋根究底寻根究底
Jyutpingcam4 gan1 gau3 dai2
Yalechàhm gān gau dái
Definition
To get to the bottom of things, or to inquire deeply into the origin of a matter.
colloquialdaily actionspeople
How it's used
This idiom carries a slightly negative connotation when used in social settings, as it implies prying into matters that others might prefer to keep private. While it describes a thorough investigation, it often suggests an obsessive or persistent questioning that can make people feel uncomfortable. It is frequently used to describe someone who refuses to let a topic drop until they have uncovered every detail.
Examples
Stop digging into everything all the time, it's so annoying.
He is very serious about his work and likes to get to the bottom of things.
Related words
Common phrases
likes to get to the bottom of things
do not pry into details
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a positive trait like being diligent, but in conversation, it is frequently used to complain about someone being overly inquisitive or difficult to deal with.
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.
