goi1 deng1 zau6 deng1 goi1 tit3 zau6 tit3該釘就釘，該鐵就鐵该钉就钉，该铁就铁
Jyutpinggoi1 deng1 zau6 deng1 goi1 tit3 zau6 tit3
Yalegōi dēng jauh dēng gōi tit jauh tit
Definition
To have no ambiguity; things should be clearly defined and distinct, without any room for confusion.
colloquialdaily actionsother
How it's used
This expression uses the imagery of driving a nail or iron into wood to signify making a firm, unchangeable decision. It conveys a sense of finality and decisiveness, often used when someone is procrastinating or hesitating over a choice that needs to be made immediately. It carries a slightly stern or impatient tone, implying that further discussion is no longer productive.
Examples
This matter should be settled once and for all, no more dragging it out.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal instruction about construction work, but it is purely metaphorical. It is also not a standard idiom in Mandarin, so using it in a formal or non-Cantonese context will likely cause confusion.
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.
