zaam2 gin6斬件斩件

Jyutpingzaam2 gin6

Yalejáam gihn

Uncommon

Definition

To chop food into smaller pieces, or to break down a plan, problem, or information into smaller parts.

to chop food into smaller pieces
figurativeto break down a plan, problem, or information into smaller parts

colloquialfooddaily actions

How it's used

Originally referring to the physical act of cleaving meat at a butcher or restaurant, this term has evolved into a common metaphor for breaking down complex tasks or abstract concepts. Using it for non physical items makes your speech sound more idiomatic and tactical. It implies that a large, daunting task is being made manageable by dividing it into smaller, bite sized components.

Examples

zek3隻siu1燒ngo2鵝bong1幫ngo5我zaam2斬gin2件aa1吖m4唔goi1該。

Please chop the roast goose into pieces for me.

ni1呢go3個gai3計waak6劃taai2太fuk1複zaap6雜，bat1不jyu4如zaam2斬gin2件cyu5處lei5理laa1啦。

This plan is too complicated, why not break it down into smaller parts to handle?

Common phrases

zaam2斬gin2件soeng6上

served chopped into pieces

Common mistake

Do not use this for cutting vegetables or soft items, as 斬 specifically implies the use of a heavy cleaver to cut through bone or tough meat. For general cutting or slicing, use 切 instead.