ceot1 si1出師出师

Jyutpingceot1 si1

Yalechēut sī

動詞

Definition

To mobilize an army; in modern usage, a metaphor for starting a major endeavor, project, or investment.

colloquialworkother

How it's used

Originally referring to the mobilization of troops for war, this term has evolved into a metaphorical way to describe starting any significant project or venture. It often carries a slightly dramatic or grand tone, suggesting that the action requires careful planning and a clear objective. Using it for trivial daily tasks can sound overly formal or humorous.

Examples

gam1今ci3次keoi5佢dei6哋ceot1出si1師，muk6目biu1標hai6係jiu3要lo2攞gun3冠gwan1軍。

They are setting out this time with the goal of winning the championship.

nei5你zeon2準bei6備hou2好mei6未aa4呀？gei2幾si4時ceot1出si1師heoi3去gaau2搞dim6掂gin2件si6事？

Are you ready yet? When are you going to set out to get this thing done?

Common phrases

ceot1出si1師jau5有meng2名

to have a just cause for action

ceot1出si1師bat1不lei6利

to meet with a setback at the start of an endeavor

Common mistake

Learners often confuse this with starting a journey or leaving home. Remember that it implies a purposeful, goal-oriented mission rather than just going out for leisure or errands.