tan3 taai5褪舦

Jyutpingtan3 taai5

Yaletan táaih

Definition

To change one's mind, back out, or go back on one's word.

colloquialdaily actionscommunication

How it's used

Originating from the nautical term for reversing a boat, this expression is used to describe someone who goes back on their word or reverses a previous decision. It carries a slightly negative connotation, implying that the person is unreliable or indecisive. It is frequently used in social or work contexts where someone has committed to a plan and then suddenly backs out.

Examples

nei5你tau4頭sin1先waa6話m4唔heoi3去，dim2點gaai2解ji1依gaa1家jau6又tan3褪舦taai5呀？

You said you weren't going earlier, why have you changed your mind now?

keoi5佢seng4成jat6日dou1都tan3褪舦，taai5真zan1係hai6好hou2難naan4夾。

They always change their mind, it's really hard to coordinate with them.

Common phrases

seng4成jat6日tan3褪舦

always changing one's mind

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with simply changing one's mind in a neutral way, such as 改變主意. 褪舦 specifically implies a broken promise or a reversal of a previously stated position, which can sound accusatory.