saan1 faan4 zau6 gaan2刪繁就簡删繁就简

Jyutpingsaan1 faan4 zau6 gaan2

Yalesāan fàahn jauh gáan

Definition

To simplify by eliminating the superfluous, tedious, or unnecessary details.

writtenworkcommunication

How it's used

This idiom carries a formal and slightly literary tone, often used in professional or academic settings to suggest efficiency. While it describes the act of cutting out unnecessary details, it implies a deliberate and thoughtful process rather than just making something shorter. It is frequently applied to writing, project proposals, or complex instructions.

Examples

fan2份bou3報gou3告taai3太coeng4長，nei5你bat1不jyu4如saan1刪faan4繁zau6就gaan2簡laa1啦。

The report is too long, you should simplify it.

keoi5佢zoeng1將go3個gai3計waak6劃saan1刪faan4繁zau6就gaan2簡，zik1即hak1刻cing1清sik1晰hou2好do1多。

He simplified the plan, and it became much clearer immediately.

Common phrases

saan1刪faan4繁zau6就gaan2簡ge3嘅jyun4原zak1則

the principle of simplification

gwo3過cing4程saan1刪faan4繁zau6就gaan2簡

to simplify the process

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a simple verb like 簡化, but it is a four character idiom that functions more like a formal directive or a description of a refined strategy. Avoid using it in very casual, everyday conversation with friends as it may sound overly academic or pretentious.