tik1忒
Jyutpingtik1
Yaletīk
Definition
To err, to be excessive, or to be changeable.
- literaryto err; to make a mistake
- literaryexcessive; too much
- literarychangeable; inconstant
colloquialdescriptionspeople
How it's used
Primarily used to describe someone who is inconsistent, fickle, or prone to making errors in judgment. It carries a slightly formal or literary weight compared to common colloquial descriptors for being unreliable. You will often hear it used when criticizing someone for changing their mind too frequently or acting in an unpredictable, erratic manner.
Examples
He speaks too erratically, no one can understand him.
Don't be so fickle in life, you need to be more steady.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with the Mandarin usage of 忒, which functions as an intensifier meaning 'too' or 'very'. In Cantonese, it specifically relates to error or instability rather than serving as a simple intensifier for adjectives.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
