sau2 jyun5手軟手软

Jyutpingsau2 jyun5

Yalesáu yúhn

形容詞Uncommon

Definition

To have one's hands become limp or tired; to hesitate or show mercy when firmness is needed.

to have one's hands become weak, limp, or tired from physical exertion
figurativeto be soft-hearted, hesitant, or irresolute when firmness is needed

colloquialbodyemotion

How it's used

Beyond the literal physical exhaustion of muscles, this term is frequently used metaphorically to describe a lack of resolve or hesitation when taking decisive action. It often implies a reluctance to be harsh, strict, or punitive in a situation where such firmness is expected. It captures the feeling of being unable to strike or act decisively due to emotional or psychological hesitation.

Examples

daa2打gei1機daa2打dou3到sau2手jyun5軟dou1都m4唔hang2肯ting4停。

I played games until my hands were limp, but I still wouldn't stop.

nei5你zou6做je5嘢m4唔hou2好sau2手jyun5軟，jat1一ding6定jiu3要jim4嚴gaak3格cyu5處lei5理。

Don't go soft on this; you must handle it strictly.

Common phrases

zou6做je5嘢sau2手jyun5軟

to be irresolute in one's work

daa2打dou3到sau2手jyun5軟

to play or strike until one's hands are tired

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with being physically weak or having a disability. It specifically describes a temporary state of fatigue or a momentary lapse in willpower, rather than a permanent trait.