jat1 zi6 zi1 caa1一字之差
Jyutpingjat1 zi6 zi1 caa1
Yaleyāt jih jī chā
Definition
A difference of a single character or word, which can lead to a completely different meaning.
neutralcommunicationdescriptions
How it's used
This expression is used to highlight how a tiny change in wording or spelling can lead to a completely different meaning or outcome. It is frequently applied to names, addresses, or legal documents where precision is critical. People often use it to emphasize that even a small mistake can have significant consequences.
Examples
Their names only differ by one character, so people always mix them up.
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with idioms about distance or physical space, as it specifically refers to written characters or spoken words. It is not used to describe physical gaps between objects.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
