ceoi2 se2取捨取舍
Jyutpingceoi2 se2
Yalechéui sé
Definition
To choose or make a trade-off; to select what to keep and what to abandon.
neutraldaily actionsother
How it's used
Focuses on the deliberate act of choosing between competing priorities where you cannot have everything. It carries a slightly formal or philosophical weight, often appearing in discussions about career, life decisions, or strategic planning. Unlike simple choices, it implies a sense of loss or sacrifice is involved in the decision.
Examples
In life and work, one must learn how to make trade-offs.
Time is limited, how do you balance your work and family?
Related words
Common phrases
to make some trade-offs
in the process of making a trade-off
Common mistake
Do not use this for trivial choices like picking a flavor of ice cream, as it implies a significant trade-off rather than a simple preference.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.



