sat1 sau2失手
Jyutpingsat1 sau2
Yalesāt sáu
Definition
To fail unexpectedly; to perform poorly compared to one's usual standard.
colloquialworkdaily actions
How it's used
Focuses on the gap between expected performance and actual outcome, implying the person is typically capable of better. It is frequently used in contexts involving skill, such as sports, exams, or artistic performances. It carries a sense of sympathy or surprise rather than harsh criticism.
Examples
It is a real pity that he failed to perform well in the competition this time.
You are usually so good, why did you mess up today?
Related words
Common phrases
to perform poorly in a competition
to underperform in an exam
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a total lack of ability or a complete failure from the start. It specifically implies that the person usually succeeds but had a momentary lapse or unexpected error.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
