tok3 sau2 zaang1托手爭托手争

Jyutpingtok3 sau2 zaang1

Yaletok sáu jāang

Definition

To reject, refuse, or turn down someone's request.

colloquialpeoplecommunication

How it's used

This expression is used specifically when someone refuses a request for help or a favor, often implying that the refusal is unhelpful or cold. It carries a sense of disappointment or frustration, as if the person had an expectation of assistance that was abruptly denied. It is a very vivid way to describe a rejection of a plea for support.

Examples

keoi5佢hou2好sam1心bong1幫nei5你，nei5你m4唔hou2好tok3托sau2手zaang1爭aa4呀。

They are kind enough to help you, don't turn them down.

soeng6上ci3次wan2搵keoi5佢bong1幫sau2手，keoi5佢ging2竟jin4然tok3托sau2手zaang1爭。

I asked for their help last time, but they actually turned me down.

Common phrases

tok3托sau2手zaang1爭m4唔bong1幫

refuse to help

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with general refusals like 拒絕. 托手爭 is strictly for turning down a request for help or a favor, not for declining an invitation or an object.