fu2 juk6 gai3苦肉計苦肉计
Jyutpingfu2 juk6 gai3
Yalefú yuhk gai
Definition
An act of self-torture or self-harm to gain sympathy or trust; a self-torture ruse.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
Originating from the classic Chinese military strategy, this term is frequently used in modern Hong Kong to describe manipulative behavior in relationships or workplace politics. It implies that the person is intentionally making themselves suffer or appear pathetic to manipulate the emotions of others. While it carries a negative connotation, it is often used in a slightly dramatic or mocking tone when someone sees through the act.
Measure word
tiu4條tìuhExamples
He is using a self-torture ruse to trick me into forgiving him.
Do you really need to go as far as using a self-torture ruse?
Related words
Common phrases
to perform a self-torture ruse
to use a self-torture ruse
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with general suffering or hardship, but it specifically requires the element of deception or manipulation. It is not used to describe someone who is genuinely suffering without an ulterior motive.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
