hou3 gun2 haan4 si6好管閒事好管闲事
Jyutpinghou3 gun2 haan4 si6
Yalehou gún hàahn sih
Definition
To be meddlesome, nosy, or officious.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Focusing on the intrusive nature of someone's behavior, this phrase carries a strong negative connotation of overstepping boundaries. It is frequently used to criticize people who interfere in matters that do not concern them or affect their own lives. While it can be used in formal writing, it is equally common in everyday arguments to call out unwanted advice or interference.
Examples
He is the kind of person who loves to be meddlesome.
Related words
Common phrases
really so meddlesome
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe someone who is simply helpful or curious, as it specifically implies an annoying or unwelcome intrusion into other people's private business.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
