teoi1 tok3推託推托
Jyutpingteoi1 tok3
Yaletēui tok
Definition
To make an excuse in order to decline or avoid a responsibility.
colloquialdaily actionscommunication
How it's used
Focuses on the act of using an excuse to avoid a responsibility or a request. It carries a slightly negative connotation, implying that the person is being evasive or insincere rather than simply being unable to perform the task.
Examples
He always makes excuses about being busy and refuses to help.
Why are you dodging it? Just say it directly if you have something to say.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 拒絕, which is a direct refusal. 推託 specifically implies a roundabout way of saying no by creating an excuse, whereas 拒絕 is a straightforward rejection.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
