mei5 zung1 bat1 zuk1美中不足
Jyutpingmei5 zung1 bat1 zuk1
Yaleméih jūng bāt jūk
Definition
Almost perfect, but with a minor imperfection or a fly in the ointment.
neutraldescriptions
How it's used
This idiom is used to acknowledge that while something is generally excellent or successful, a specific detail prevents it from being absolutely flawless. It functions as a sophisticated way to introduce a critique without sounding overly negative or ungrateful. It is often followed by 嘅係 to introduce the specific shortcoming.
Examples
The apartment is beautifully renovated, but the lack of a balcony is a minor flaw.
Everything was arranged perfectly, but the only downside was that the schedule was too rushed.
Related words
Common phrases
the fly in the ointment
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
