cau1 cing3抽秤
Jyutpingcau1 cing3
Yalechāu ching
Definition
To nitpick, find fault with, or exaggerate minor issues to criticize someone.
colloquialpeoplework
How it's used
Originating from the act of using a balance scale to weigh goods, this term implies that someone is scrutinizing a situation with excessive precision to find flaws. It carries a negative connotation of being overly pedantic or deliberately looking for trouble where none exists. It is frequently used in workplace or interpersonal contexts to describe someone who is being unnecessarily difficult.
Examples
You work so hard, yet he still finds faults with you?
Stop nitpicking the details all the time, just finish it quickly.
Related words
Common phrases
deliberately nitpick
to be nitpicked by someone
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply criticizing someone. While 批評 is a general term for criticism, 抽秤 specifically highlights the act of looking for minor, insignificant, or non-existent problems to complain about.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
