kyun4 ji4 zi1 gai3權宜之計权宜之计
Jyutpingkyun4 ji4 zi1 gai3
Yalekyùhn yìh jī gai
Definition
A temporary expedient or stopgap measure adapted to current circumstances.
neutralother
How it's used
Implies a sense of compromise or necessity where one must settle for a less than ideal outcome due to immediate pressure. It is often used to justify a decision that might seem illogical or suboptimal in the long run but is unavoidable at the moment. The tone is pragmatic and slightly apologetic.
Examples
This is just a stop-gap measure, not a long-term solution.
Besides doing it this way, what other temporary plans do you have?
Related words
Common phrases
a stop-gap measure
Common mistake
Often confused with 緩兵之計, which specifically refers to a tactic used to delay an opponent or buy time, whereas 權宜之計 focuses on the temporary nature of the solution itself.
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.
