sap1 zai6濕滯濕滞
Jyutpingsap1 zai6
Yalesāp jaih
Definition
Troublesome or in a mess; also a Chinese medicine term for dampness retention.
- troublesome; sticky; messed up; in a difficult situation
- technicaldampness retention; water accumulation in the body
colloquialemotiondescriptions
How it's used
Originating from traditional Chinese medicine, this term describes the feeling of being weighed down by excess dampness in the body. In everyday speech, it has evolved to describe any situation that is sticky, troublesome, or difficult to resolve. It carries a sense of being stuck in a predicament that is hard to shake off.
Examples
This is a real mess, I forgot to bring my keys when I left.
You've made such a mess of things, how do you expect me to clean it up?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe physical wetness or humidity, as that would be 濕. It is strictly for metaphorical situations that are problematic or inconvenient.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
