geoi2 sau2 zi1 lou4舉手之勞举手之劳

Jyutpinggeoi2 sau2 zi1 lou4

Yalegéui sáu jī lòuh

名詞Uncommon

Definition

An easy task; something that is as effortless as raising one's hand.

colloquialdaily actionspeople

How it's used

Used primarily to downplay one's own effort when someone expresses gratitude for a small favor. It frames the action as so trivial that it required no more energy than simply lifting a hand. It is almost always accompanied by a sentence-final particle like 啫 or 之嘛 to emphasize the insignificance of the act.

Examples

ni1呢di1啲siu2小si6事geoi2舉sau2手zi1之lou4勞ze1啫，m4唔sai2使gam3咁haak3客hei3氣。

This is just a small favor, no need to be so polite.

bong1幫nei5你bun1搬zoeng1張dang3櫈ze1啫，geoi2舉sau2手zi1之lou4勞zi1之maa3嘛。

Helping you move the chair is just a piece of cake.

Common phrases

geoi2舉sau2手zi1之lou4勞ze1啫

it is just a piece of cake

Common mistake

Do not use this to describe tasks that actually require significant time or skill, as it would sound insincere or sarcastic. It is strictly reserved for minor, quick assistance.