can1 lik6 can1 wai4親力親為亲力亲为
Jyutpingcan1 lik6 can1 wai4
Yalechān lihk chān wàih
Definition
To do something yourself instead of delegating it; to get one's hands dirty.
colloquialworkpeople
How it's used
Describes a person who insists on handling tasks personally rather than delegating them to others. It often carries a nuance of admiration for one's dedication, but can also imply that the person is a micromanager who cannot trust their team. It is frequently used in professional or business contexts to critique or praise leadership styles.
Examples
He does everything himself, it is really exhausting.
As a boss, you do not need to do everything yourself.
Related words
Common phrases
to handle every single matter personally
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply doing a task. It specifically implies that the person has the authority or ability to delegate the work to subordinates but chooses to perform the labor themselves instead.
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.
