tiu1 but6挑撥挑拨
Jyutpingtiu1 but6
Yaletīu buht
Definition
To instigate, incite discord, or sow dissension between others.
colloquialpeoplecommunication
How it's used
Focuses on the deliberate act of creating conflict between two parties who might otherwise get along. It implies a malicious intent to manipulate social dynamics or relationships for personal gain or spite. Unlike simply gossiping, this word emphasizes the active, strategic nature of the interference.
Examples
He is always sowing discord behind people's backs, it's really annoying.
Don't listen to people inciting you; their relationship is very solid.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with simple complaining or gossiping. Remember that this word requires an intent to break a bond or cause a fight between others, rather than just venting about a third party.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
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Grammar guides
- 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.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
