dong1 mou6 zi1 gap1當務之急当务之急
Jyutpingdong1 mou6 zi1 gap1
Yaledōng mouh jī gāp
Definition
The most pressing matter of the moment; a top priority or urgent task.
writtenother
How it's used
This is a formal idiom often used in news reports, political commentary, or serious discussions. While it is perfectly understandable in speech, using it in casual daily conversation can sound overly dramatic or like you are giving a formal presentation. It carries a sense of gravity and priority that distinguishes it from simply saying something is urgent.
Examples
Solving this problem is the most pressing matter.
Related words
Common phrases
the most pressing matter is
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use this as a verb phrase. It is a noun phrase, so it must be linked to the subject using 係 or treated as the topic of the sentence.
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.
