ci2 zok3 jung2 ze2始作俑者
Jyutpingci2 zok3 jung2 ze2
Yalechí jok yúng jé
Definition
The initiator of a bad trend or an undesirable event.
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How it's used
Carries a strong negative connotation, implying that the person referred to is responsible for starting a harmful trend or a series of unfortunate events. While it originates from classical Chinese, it is frequently used in modern Hong Kong news and formal discussions to assign blame. It is rarely used to describe the initiator of something positive or neutral.
Examples
Who exactly is the person who started this whole mess?
He is the one who started it, causing the whole thing to be so troublesome.
Related words
Common phrases
to become the initiator of something bad
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use this to describe the inventor or creator of something neutral, but it is strictly reserved for negative contexts where someone has set a bad precedent.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
