tok3 gu3托故
Jyutpingtok3 gu3
Yaletok gu
Definition
To make up an excuse or find a pretext to do something.
colloquialdaily actionspeople
How it's used
Implies a deliberate attempt to avoid a responsibility or task by creating a pretext. It carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting the speaker sees through the deception or finds the behavior untrustworthy. Unlike simple lying, it specifically focuses on the act of constructing a false reason to justify an absence or refusal.
Examples
He always makes up excuses not to go home for dinner.
Related words
Common phrases
to make an excuse to decline
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 藉口, which is the noun excuse itself. 托故 is a verb phrase that describes the action of using an excuse to achieve a goal, usually to avoid something.
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.
