jat1 nim6 zi1 caa1一念之差
Jyutpingjat1 nim6 zi1 caa1
Yaleyāt nihm jī chā
Definition
A momentary slip, wrong thought, or error in judgment that can lead to serious consequences.
neutralemotionother
How it's used
Refers specifically to a split-second decision or a fleeting thought that leads to a regrettable or irreversible outcome. It carries a heavy, serious tone often used when discussing criminal acts, moral failures, or life-altering mistakes. Unlike simple mistakes, this implies a moment of weakness where one's better judgment fails.
Examples
Because of a momentary lapse in judgment, his whole life was ruined.
If it weren't for that momentary lapse in judgment back then, how would you have ended up in prison?
Related words
Common phrases
due to a momentary lapse in judgment
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe trivial errors like forgetting your keys or missing a bus. It is reserved for significant, often tragic, life events.
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.
