sak1 gu2 mang4 zang1塞古盟憎
Jyutpingsak1 gu2 mang4 zang1
Yalesāk gú màhng jāng
Definition
To have to make a decision when the situation is completely unknown or unclear.
colloquialdaily actionsother
How it's used
This expression is a unique Cantonese idiom that captures the frustration of being forced to act without sufficient information. It implies a sense of helplessness or being backed into a corner where one must guess or gamble on the outcome. It is rarely used in formal writing and carries a strong colloquial tone suitable for expressing workplace or personal dilemmas.
Examples
The situation is unclear right now, we really have to make a blind decision.
You also have to make a blind decision, why didn't you ask clearly first?
Related words
Common phrases
forced to make a blind decision
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with general decision-making terms, but it specifically emphasizes the lack of information. Do not use it for situations where you have all the facts but are simply indecisive.
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.
