keoi1 nai4拘泥
Jyutpingkeoi1 nai4
Yalekēui nàih
Definition
To rigidly stick to, especially formalities or details, without flexibility.
neutraldescriptions
How it's used
Focuses on the inability to adapt to changing circumstances or the tendency to obsess over trivial rules. It often carries a slightly critical tone, implying that the person is being unnecessarily stubborn or inflexible. Unlike general words for stubbornness, this specifically targets the adherence to formalities or minor points.
Examples
Don't be so rigid in life, it's better to be more spontaneous.
Why are you being so hung up on these minor details?
Related words
Common phrases
to be pedantic about minor details
to be overly formal
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 執着, but 拘泥 specifically implies a negative, rigid adherence to rules or forms, whereas 執着 can sometimes be used in a neutral or positive sense of being dedicated or persistent.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
