sik1 zou6識做识做
Jyutpingsik1 zou6
Yalesīk jouh
Definition
To know what is best to do; to need no further instructions.
colloquialpeopledaily actions
How it's used
Carries a strong implication of social intelligence or street smarts rather than just technical knowledge. It is often used to hint that someone should offer a bribe, a favor, or a polite gesture without being explicitly told. The phrase functions as a subtle way to pressure others to act in accordance with unwritten social rules.
Examples
The boss said he wants a raise, you know what to do.
He knows how to handle himself, he started pouring tea as soon as he walked in.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply knowing how to perform a task. While it can mean being competent, it is most frequently used in contexts involving social etiquette, office politics, or transactional favors where the speaker expects the listener to read between the lines.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
