naam4 jyun4 bak1 cit3南轅北轍南辕北辙
Definition
To act in a way that defeats one's purpose, or to have diametrically opposed views.
- to have words and deeds that do not align
- to have diametrically opposed views that cannot reconcile
How it's used
This idiom is a formal expression often used in professional or serious discussions to highlight a fundamental disconnect between intentions and actions. It carries a sense of frustration or critique, emphasizing that the path taken is moving away from the desired destination. While it originates from classical literature, it remains a standard way to describe irreconcilable differences in modern Cantonese.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple disagreement, but it specifically implies that the methods or directions being taken are actively moving in opposite ways. It is not used for minor differences of opinion, but rather for situations where the gap is so wide that success is impossible.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
