sin3 goek3跣腳跣脚
Jyutpingsin3 goek3
Yalesin geuk
Definition
To slip; to lose one's footing; to have one's foot slip.
colloquialdaily actionsbody
How it's used
Beyond the literal meaning of losing one's footing, this term is frequently used metaphorically to describe making a careless mistake or suffering a sudden setback in a plan. It carries a sense of unexpectedness, similar to how one might lose their balance without warning. When used in a figurative sense, it implies that the person was caught off guard by their own oversight.
Examples
The floor is very wet, be careful not to slip.
He wasn't looking where he was going and ended up slipping and falling.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 跣, which can also mean to trick or deceive someone. While 跣腳 specifically refers to physical slipping or a metaphorical stumble, 跣人 means to play a trick on someone or set them up for failure.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
