wai1 se4委蛇

Jyutpingwai1 se4

Yalewāi sèh

Definition

To behave in a frivolous, casual, or evasive manner.

writtenpeoplecommunication

How it's used

Originally derived from the classical idiom 虛與委蛇, this term describes a superficial or insincere way of dealing with others. It carries a negative connotation of being manipulative or merely going through the motions to appease someone. While it appears in written contexts, it is used in speech to describe someone who lacks genuine commitment or honesty in their social interactions.

Examples

keoi5佢seng4成jat6日tung4同jan4人wai1委se4蛇，mou5冇geoi3句zan1真waa2話。

He always behaves frivolously with people, never saying a true word.

nei5你m4唔hou2好zoi3再tung4同keoi5佢wai1委se4蛇lok6落heoi3去laa3喇。

You shouldn't keep playing along with him like that anymore.

Common phrases

heoi1虛jyu5與wai1委ji4蛇

to deal with someone in a perfunctory or insincere manner

Common mistake

Learners often confuse the pronunciation with the common word 蛇, but in this specific idiom, it is pronounced as 'wāi yí' rather than the standard 'sé'. Using the standard reading will make the expression sound unnatural to native speakers.