so2 zok3 so2 wai4所作所為所作所为
Jyutpingso2 zok3 so2 wai4
Yalesó jok só wàih
Definition
One's actions, deeds, or behavior.
neutralpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This term carries a strong sense of moral judgment and is almost exclusively used to criticize someone's negative actions. It is formal in tone and often appears in serious confrontations or when someone is being held accountable for their past behavior. Using it in casual conversation can make the speaker sound particularly stern or accusatory.
Examples
Everything he has done is really disappointing.
Can you live with everything you have done?
Related words
Common phrases
the actions are outrageous and hair-raising
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use this for any action or deed, but it is not neutral. It implies that the actions being discussed are significant, usually harmful, and worthy of scrutiny or blame.
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.
