sat1 tai4失蹄
Jyutpingsat1 tai4
Yalesāt tàih
Definition
To slip up, make a mistake, or fail.
colloquialdaily actionsother
How it's used
Derived from the proverb 人有失手，馬有失蹄, this expression is used to describe a sudden, unexpected failure or a lapse in judgment. It carries a sense of sympathy or forgiveness, implying that even the most capable person can occasionally stumble. It is rarely used for major, long-term failures, focusing instead on a specific, isolated incident.
Examples
He slipped up in business this time and lost a lot of money.
Everyone makes mistakes sometimes, just be more careful next time.
Related words
Common phrases
Everyone makes mistakes; even the best can slip up.
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a permanent loss of ability or a complete career failure. It specifically refers to a momentary slip or a single error in an otherwise competent performance.
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.
