si1 si6私事

Jyutpingsi1 si6

Yalesī sih

名詞Uncommon

Definition

Personal affairs; private matters that are unrelated to work and do not require others' involvement.

colloquialpeoplework

How it's used

Using this term effectively draws a boundary between professional or public life and one's private sphere. It is often used as a polite but firm way to deflect prying questions without needing to explain the specific details of the situation. It carries a sense of autonomy and implies that the speaker is not obligated to share further information.

Examples

ngo5我jau5有di1啲si1私si6事jiu3要cyu5處lei5理，m4唔hou2好ji3意si1思aa4呀。

I have some personal matters to handle, sorry about that.

ni1呢di1啲hai6係ngo5我si1私si6事，nei5你m4唔hou2好man6問gam3咁do1多laa1啦。

These are my private affairs, don't ask so much.

Common phrases

cyu5處lei5理si1私si6事

to handle personal affairs

Common mistake

Avoid using this to describe minor chores or errands, as it implies something more significant or sensitive. For everyday tasks like going to the bank or buying groceries, it is more natural to just say 處理啲嘢 or 有啲嘢做.