daa2 zim1打尖
Jyutpingdaa2 zim1
Yaledá jīm
Definition
To jump the queue; to cut in line.
colloquialdaily actionspeople
How it's used
This term is used specifically for the act of inserting oneself into a queue ahead of others. It carries a strong negative connotation of being rude or selfish, as queuing is considered a fundamental social norm in Hong Kong. You will often hear it used in heated confrontations when someone violates this expectation.
Examples
Don't cut in line while queuing.
Related words
Common phrases
to have someone cut in front of you
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin term 插隊, which is understood but not the local way of expressing this action. Using 打尖 is the most natural way to signal you are speaking Cantonese.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
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Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
