jat1 ziu1 bun3 sik1一招半式
Jyutpingjat1 ziu1 bun3 sik1
Yaleyāt jīu bun sīk
Definition
Slight knowledge of a skill; a superficial understanding of a martial arts style or trade.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Originally referring to martial arts techniques, this phrase is now commonly used to describe someone who has only a superficial or incomplete understanding of a skill. It carries a slightly dismissive tone, implying that the person is overconfident despite their limited knowledge. It is frequently used to warn someone against showing off when they have not fully mastered a subject.
Examples
He wants to teach others after learning only a few tricks.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is a complete beginner or knows nothing at all. It specifically refers to someone who knows just enough to be dangerous or to pretend they are an expert.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
