cin1 si1 maan6 lau5千絲萬縷千丝万缕
Jyutpingcin1 si1 maan6 lau5
Yalechīn sī maahn láuh
Definition
To have an incredibly complicated and close relationship with someone or something.
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
Describes situations where multiple parties are connected by complex, often hidden, webs of influence or interest. It carries a slightly formal or literary weight despite being used in everyday speech to describe scandals or power dynamics. It is almost exclusively used to describe abstract relationships rather than physical objects.
Examples
The business interests of those two companies are incredibly intertwined.
This case has complicated, deep-rooted ties to many politicians.
Related words
Common phrases
an incredibly complicated and close relationship
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal description of physical threads or fabric, but it is strictly metaphorical. It is also not used to describe simple or direct relationships; it implies a level of complexity that is difficult to untangle.
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.
