si3 ji3肆意
Jyutpingsi3 ji3
Yalesi yi
Definition
Recklessly, wantonly, or without restraint.
writtendescriptions
How it's used
Carries a strong negative connotation, implying that the subject is acting without regard for rules, social norms, or the feelings of others. It is often used in formal writing or serious speech to describe behavior that is perceived as selfish or destructive. Unlike casual words for doing something freely, this term specifically highlights a lack of restraint or moral consideration.
Examples
He criticizes people recklessly, he is really rude.
Why do you wantonly waste food?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 隨意, which is neutral and simply means to do something as one pleases or conveniently. Using 肆意 in a casual context where you just mean 'doing something casually' will make you sound overly dramatic or accusatory.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
