sap6 waak6 mei6 jau5 jat1 pit3十畫未有一撇十画未有一撇
Jyutpingsap6 waak6 mei6 jau5 jat1 pit3
Yalesahp waahk meih yáuh yāt pit
Definition
Things are still in their very early stages and nothing is settled yet.
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
This idiom describes a situation where there is no concrete progress or even a clear starting point. It is often used to dampen unrealistic expectations or to point out that someone is counting their chickens before they hatch. The imagery refers to the first stroke of the character 永, implying that even the most basic foundation has not been laid.
Examples
The matter hasn't even started yet, no need to be so anxious.
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for meaning something is half-finished, but it actually means absolutely nothing has been done yet. It is not used for tasks that are underway but incomplete.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
