saan2 saa1散沙

Jyutpingsaan2 saa1

Yalesáan sā

名詞

Definition

A group of people lacking unity, organization, and team spirit.

colloquialpeoplework

How it's used

This term is almost exclusively used in the phrase 一盤散沙, which functions as a noun phrase to describe a group lacking cohesion. It carries a strong negative connotation, implying that the individuals involved are incapable of working together effectively. It is frequently used in professional or competitive contexts to critique a lack of leadership or collective effort.

Measure word

pun4盤pùnh

Examples

keoi5佢dei6哋sing4成pun4盤saan2散saa1沙，dim2點joeng2樣gaau2搞dak1得dim6掂go3個hong6項muk6目aa4呀？

They are so disorganized, how can they possibly handle the project?

jyu4如gwo2果daai6大gaa1家zung6仲hai6係jat1一pun4盤saan2散saa1沙，gung1公si1司hou2好faai3快wui2會zap1執lap1笠。

If everyone remains disunited, the company will go out of business soon.

Common phrases

jat1一pun4盤saan2散saa1沙

a disorganized group

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a verb describing the act of scattering, but it is a noun phrase used to describe the state of a group. It should not be used to describe physical objects like actual sand or scattered items.