lai5 cak1蠡測蠡测

Jyutpinglai5 cak1

Yaleláih chāk

Definition

To have a shallow, limited, or narrow understanding of a person or subject.

writtendescriptions

How it's used

This is a literary idiom derived from the classical phrase 以蠡測海, which literally means using a gourd to measure the ocean. It is rarely used in casual speech and carries a formal, self-deprecating tone when someone wants to admit their knowledge is limited. You will mostly encounter it in written essays or formal discussions rather than daily conversation.

Examples

ngo5我deoi3對le1呢gin2件si6事ge3嘅liu5了gaai2解zi2只hai6係lai5蠡cak1測。

My understanding of this matter is only superficial.

nei5你deoi3對keoi5佢ge3嘅wai4為jan4人zi2只hai6係lai5蠡cak1測zaa5咋maa3嘛。

You only have a shallow understanding of his character, that is all.

Common phrases

gun2管kwai1窺lai5蠡cak1測

a narrow and superficial view

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a common adjective, but it is a formal idiom that sounds extremely unnatural if used in a casual setting. Avoid using it to describe physical objects, as it specifically refers to abstract knowledge or understanding.