liu4 si6 dau3 fei1撩是鬥非撩是斗非
Jyutpingliu4 si6 dau3 fei1
Yalelìuh sih dau fēi
Definition
To deliberately provoke others with words or actions to start a fight or an argument.
colloquialpeoplecommunication
How it's used
This idiom describes someone who actively seeks out conflict or enjoys creating drama where none existed. It is often used to criticize people who are perceived as troublemakers or gossip-mongers. Unlike simple arguing, it implies a deliberate, persistent effort to provoke others.
Examples
He loves to stir up trouble, making everyone unhappy.
Related words
Common phrases
always stirring up trouble
likes to provoke others
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply being argumentative. It specifically carries the connotation of someone who is bored or malicious and intentionally starts a fire just to watch it burn.
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.
