toi5 gung1怠工
Jyutpingtoi5 gung1
Yaletóih gūng
Definition
To slow down at work deliberately, as a form of protest or sabotage; to stage a slowdown.
neutralwork
How it's used
This term describes a specific form of passive resistance where employees remain at their desks but intentionally reduce their output. It carries a sense of calculated defiance rather than simple laziness or incompetence. It is often used in the context of labor disputes or union actions.
Examples
They are unhappy with the pay cut, so they are collectively slowing down work.
If you keep slowing down work like this, the boss will definitely fire you.
Related words
Common phrases
collective work slowdown
disguised work slowdown
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 偷懶, which refers to general laziness or slacking off for personal comfort. 怠工 is a strategic, often collective, action taken to exert pressure on management.
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.
