to4 sau2 nang3 goek3佗手㨢腳佗手㨢脚

Jyutpingto4 sau2 nang3 goek3

Yaletòh sáu nang geuk

Definition

To be a burden, nuisance, or hindrance to others, restricting their freedom of movement or action.

colloquialpeopledescriptions

How it's used

This idiom describes someone whose presence or lack of skill hinders others, effectively acting as a dead weight. It is often used when someone is physically clumsy or when their involvement complicates a task that would otherwise be simple. The phrase carries a strong sense of frustration or annoyance regarding the person's lack of utility.

Examples

nei5你zou6做je5嘢gam3咁maan6慢，zan1真hai6係to4佗sau2手㨢nang3腳goek3呀。

You are so slow at work, you really are a burden.

daai2帶maai4埋keoi5佢heoi3去leoi5旅hang4行wui2會m4唔wui2會to4佗sau2手㨢goek3腳㗎？

Will bringing them along on the trip be a burden?

Common phrases

seng4成jat6日to4佗sau2手㨢nang3腳

always being a burden

jim4嫌jan4人to4佗sau2手㨢nang3腳

to find someone to be a burden

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with simply being clumsy or uncoordinated, as the term specifically emphasizes the negative impact on others. It is a harsh criticism and should be used with caution as it implies the person is an obstacle.