mou4 so2 sik1 cung4無所適從无所适从

Jyutpingmou4 so2 sik1 cung4

Yalemòuh só sīk chùhng

語句Uncommon

Definition

To not know what to do or which way to follow, especially under changing rules or situations.

writtenother

How it's used

This is a formal idiom often used in news reports or serious discussions to describe a state of confusion caused by inconsistent policies or instructions. While it is a four-character phrase, it functions as a verb phrase in a sentence. It carries a sense of helplessness, implying that the confusion is external rather than a personal lack of intelligence.

Examples

zai3制dou6度goi2改jyun4完jau6又goi2改，gaau2搞dou3到daai6大gaa1家dou1都mou4無so2所sik1適cung4從。

The system keeps changing, leaving everyone at a loss as to what to do.

nei5你gong2講je5嘢gam3咁faan2反fuk1覆，giu3叫ngo5我dim2點joeng2樣m4唔mou4無so2所sik1適cung4從aa4呀？

You keep changing your mind, how do you expect me not to be at a loss?

Common phrases

gam2感dou3到mou4無so2所sik1適cung4從

to feel at a loss

mou4無so2所sik1適cung4從

to make someone feel at a loss

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a simple feeling of being confused, but it specifically implies a lack of direction or a clear path to follow due to external factors. Do not use it to describe simple forgetfulness or being lost in a physical location.