saa2耍

Jyutpingsaa2

Yalesá

動詞Common

Definition

To trick, fool, or brush someone off; or to perform martial arts.

to fool, play with, or lie to someone in order to stall or brush them off
to perform or practice martial arts or weapon routines

colloquialdaily actionscommunication

How it's used

Beyond its literal meaning of performing martial arts, this term is frequently used to describe the act of giving someone the runaround. It implies a lack of sincerity where the speaker uses excuses or vague promises to avoid commitment or delay a task. It carries a slightly frustrated tone, signaling that the listener is aware they are being misled or brushed off.

Examples

nei5你m4唔hou2好saa2耍ngo5我laa1啦，dou3到dai2底gei2幾si4時sin1先hang2肯gaau1交fo3貨？

Don't mess me around, when will you actually deliver the goods?

keoi5佢seng4成jat6日dou1都saa2耍ngo5我，waa6話gwo3過zan6陣sin1先fuk1覆gei1機。

He always gives me the runaround, saying he will reply later.

Common phrases

saa2耍jan4人

to trick or mess with someone

saa2耍taai3太gik6極

to dodge a question or responsibility

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with 玩, which is more general and can mean simply to play or have fun. 耍 specifically carries the negative connotation of manipulation or insincerity in a social or professional context.