duk1 bui3 zek3篤背脊笃背脊
Jyutpingduk1 bui3 zek3
Yaledūk bui jek
Definition
To backstab, badmouth, or rat on someone behind their back.
colloquialpeoplework
How it's used
This expression carries a strong negative connotation of betrayal and underhanded behavior. It is specifically used when someone reports another person's mistakes or secrets to a superior or authority figure to gain an advantage or cause trouble. Unlike simply gossiping, it implies a deliberate act of sabotage that directly affects the victim's standing or career.
Examples
Stop ratting on me in front of the boss all the time.
Related words
Common phrases
to be ratted on by someone
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply complaining about someone. It requires the element of reporting to an authority or someone with power over the victim to cause them harm.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
