saam1 zuk1 ding2 laap6三足鼎立
Jyutpingsaam1 zuk1 ding2 laap6
Yalesāam jūk díng laahp
Definition
A tripartite confrontation; a situation where three major powers or parties stand in opposition.
neutralother
How it's used
Originating from the Three Kingdoms period, this idiom describes a state of equilibrium where three powers hold each other in check. It is frequently applied to modern business, politics, or sports to describe a competitive landscape where no single party dominates. The term carries a formal tone, so it is more common in news reports or analytical discussions than in casual banter.
Examples
The market has now formed a tripartite standoff.
How do those three companies maintain their tripartite balance?
Related words
Common phrases
form a tripartite balance
maintain a tripartite balance
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple description of three things together, but it specifically implies a tense, competitive, or strategic standoff. It is not used to describe a simple group of three people or items.
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.
