sat1 zi1 hou4 lei4 ，caa1 zi1 cin1 lei5失之毫釐，差之千里失之毫厘，差之千里
Jyutpingsat1 zi1 hou4 lei4 ，caa1 zi1 cin1 lei5
Yalesāt jī hòuh lèih ，cā jī chīn léih
Definition
a tiny lapse can lead to a huge mistake (idiom); a minor discrepancy leading to enormous losses
Tone guide
T1High level
T2High rising
T3Mid level
T4Low falling
T5Low rising
T6Low level
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.
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- 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.
Learn more on the YumCha blog
Search the dictionary
Dictionary data from CC-Canto and CC-CEDICT, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.