ming4 zang1 am3 dau3明爭暗鬥明争暗斗
Jyutpingming4 zang1 am3 dau3
Yalemìhng jāng am dau
Definition
To struggle intensely both openly and secretly.
neutralworkpeople
How it's used
Focuses on the duality of conflict, highlighting that the struggle occurs both through overt confrontation and covert sabotage. It is frequently used to describe toxic workplace environments or complex power struggles within organizations. Unlike simple arguments, it implies a long-term, calculated, and often exhausting process.
Examples
There is always intense rivalry in the office.
The two of them have been struggling against each other for that position for a long time.
Related words
Common phrases
full of open and covert struggles
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe a simple argument or a one-off fight, as it specifically denotes a continuous, multifaceted struggle that includes hidden tactics.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
