zaa1 zeng3 lai4 zou6揸正來做揸正来做

Jyutpingzaa1 zeng3 lai4 zou6

Yalejā jeng làih jouh

Definition

To strictly adhere to rules or procedures, acting with impartiality.

colloquialworkdaily actions

How it's used

Implies a strict adherence to rules, regulations, or procedures, often at the expense of personal relationships or convenience. It is frequently used when someone refuses to grant a favor or make an exception because they insist on following official protocols. The phrase carries a slightly critical tone when used to describe someone who lacks flexibility.

Examples

keoi5佢zou6做je5嘢hou2好sei2死baan2板，seng4成jat6日dou1都zaa1揸zeng3正lai4來zou6做。

He is very rigid at work and always does things strictly by the book.

le1呢gin2件si6事m4唔sai2使zaa1揸zeng3正lai4來zou6做，tung1通jung4融haa5下laa1啦。

There is no need to be so strict about this, just be flexible.

Common phrases

zaa1揸zeng3正lai4嚟zou6做

to do things strictly by the book

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with simply being professional. It specifically highlights a lack of flexibility or a refusal to bend the rules, which can be perceived as being difficult or unhelpful in certain social contexts.