ji4 ham3 zau6 syun4移磡就船
Definition
To take the initiative to approach someone; to make concessions to fit another's needs.
How it's used
Originating from the imagery of moving a house to reach a boat, this idiom describes a situation where one party must compromise their position or travel to meet another person's needs. It is often used when a superior or a client is unwilling to budge, forcing the other person to make the effort to accommodate them. The tone is slightly formal but frequently used in business or social negotiations to describe a necessary concession of effort.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal physical move, but it is almost exclusively used metaphorically for social or professional interactions. It implies a sense of being the one who has to yield or take the extra step, so it should not be used to describe a mutually agreed upon meeting.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
