sik1 lou1識撈识捞
Jyutpingsik1 lou1
Yalesīk lōu
Definition
Worldly-wise and street-smart; knowing how to make money, network, and handle situations.
colloquialworkpeople
How it's used
Describes someone who possesses high social intelligence and knows how to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics to their advantage. It implies a mix of being street-smart, tactful, and opportunistic. While it can be a compliment for someone who is professional and capable, it can also carry a slightly cynical undertone of someone who is overly calculating or a sycophant.
Examples
He is very savvy at work, so he got promoted quickly.
You are so good at handling people, the boss must really like you.
Related words
Common phrases
very savvy
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply being good at a job or having high technical skills. It specifically refers to the social and political maneuvering required to succeed in a workplace or social hierarchy.
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.
