taai3 gik6太極太极
Definition
Tai Chi, a traditional martial art emphasizing relaxation and focus, or the "Supreme Ultimate" in Chinese philosophy.
- Tai Chi; a traditional martial art emphasizing relaxation and flexibility
- technicalthe state of undifferentiated absolute potentiality in Chinese cosmology
How it's used
Beyond the martial art itself, the phrase 耍太極 is widely used as a metaphor for avoiding a direct answer or shifting responsibility. It implies that someone is skillfully dodging a question or task, much like how a practitioner redirects an opponent's force rather than meeting it head-on. This figurative usage is extremely common in office settings or when dealing with bureaucratic delays.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not confuse the literal practice of the martial art with the figurative meaning of stalling or avoiding commitment. Using it in a professional context to describe someone who is being evasive is very common, but be aware that it carries a slightly critical tone.
Grammar color guide
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.
