sik1 dak1 kei4 faan2適得其反适得其反
Jyutpingsik1 dak1 kei4 faan2
Yalesīk dāk kèih fáan
Definition
To backfire; to produce the opposite result of what was intended or expected.
writtendescriptionsother
How it's used
Functions as a formal idiom that describes a situation where an action produces the exact opposite of the intended outcome. While it is a four-character idiom, it is frequently used in spoken Cantonese to provide a concise and punchy conclusion to a story about a failed plan. It carries a slightly intellectual or analytical tone compared to more casual phrases like 搞砸咗.
Examples
Forcing him to study like this will only backfire.
I wanted to help but it backfired, how awkward.
Related words
Common phrases
the result is just the opposite of what was intended
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple verb, but it is a set idiom that functions as a predicate. Avoid using it to describe simple mistakes or accidents; it specifically requires an intention that was thwarted by the result.
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.
