tung2 zin3統戰统战
Definition
To engage in united front work by uniting with secondary enemies to defeat the primary enemy, or subverting the opposition.
How it's used
Originally a formal political term for a united front, this word has evolved into a common colloquial verb used to describe the act of winning over or neutralizing opponents through strategic influence. It carries a strong negative connotation of manipulation, suggesting that someone is being seduced or bought off to betray their original group. It is frequently used in casual political discourse to explain why someone might suddenly change their allegiance or soften their criticism.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this word to mean simply making friends or building a team. It specifically implies a calculated, often underhanded, effort to break up an opposition from within.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
