m4 sik1 zyun3 bok3唔識轉膊唔识转膊
Jyutpingm4 sik1 zyun3 bok3
Yalem̀h sīk jyun bok
Definition
Stubborn, inflexible, or unable to adapt to circumstances.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
The imagery of shifting shoulders refers to the ability to pivot or adjust one's stance in a social or professional situation. It carries a slightly critical tone, implying that the person is too rigid or literal-minded to handle nuance. It is frequently used to describe someone who follows rules blindly without considering the context.
Examples
You are so inflexible, no wonder you always get cheated.
This matter is so simple, why don't you know how to adapt?
Related words
Common phrases
to be an inflexible person
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply being stubborn, which is often described as 死牛一邊頸. 唔識轉膊 specifically highlights a lack of situational awareness or an inability to find a workaround.
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.
