cou1 zi1 gwo3 gap1操之過急操之过急

Jyutpingcou1 zi1 gwo3 gap1

Yalechōu jī gwo gāp

動詞

Definition

To act with undue haste; to tackle a matter too impetuously or prematurely.

writtendaily actionswork

How it's used

This idiom carries a formal tone and is often used to warn others against acting impulsively or making rash decisions. While it is a four-character idiom, it fits naturally into spoken Cantonese sentences when you want to emphasize that someone is rushing a process to their own detriment. It is frequently used in professional or serious contexts rather than casual small talk.

Examples

nei5你m4唔hou2好cou1操zi1之gwo3過gap1急，maan6慢maan2慢nam2諗cing1清co2楚sin1先。

Don't be too hasty, think it through slowly first.

le1呢gin2件si6事cyu5處lei5理dak1得taai2太cou1操zi1之gwo3過gap1急laa3喇，gaau2搞dou3到jat1一wok6鑊zuk1粥。

This matter was handled too hastily, and now it's a complete mess.

Common phrases

cit3切gei6忌cou1操zi1之gwo3過gap1急

must avoid being too hasty

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a simple adjective like fast, but it specifically refers to the process of handling a task or decision. Avoid using it to describe physical speed, such as running or driving, as it is strictly reserved for abstract actions or strategic planning.