zaam2 goek3 zi2 bei6 saa1 cung4斬腳趾避沙蟲斩脚趾避沙虫
Jyutpingzaam2 goek3 zi2 bei6 saa1 cung4
Yalejám geuk jí beih sā chùngh
Definition
a metaphor for going through excessive and drastic measures unnecessarily in order to avoid a small problem; literally 'cut off one's toes to avoid sandworms'; palliative; something that treats the symptom but not the underlying problem
Tone guide
T1High level
T2High rising
T3Mid level
T4Low falling
T5Low rising
T6Low level
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- 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.
Learn more on the YumCha blog
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Dictionary data from CC-Canto and CC-CEDICT, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.