zaau3 mun4罩門罩门
Jyutpingzaau3 mun4
Yalejaau mùhn
Definition
Weakness or Achilles' heel.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Originating from martial arts fiction, this term describes a specific, vulnerable point on an otherwise invulnerable body or system. It is used metaphorically to pinpoint the one fatal flaw that could bring down an otherwise strong person, organization, or strategy. Unlike general weaknesses, it implies a critical vulnerability that is often hidden or overlooked until it is too late.
Examples
keoi5佢joeng6樣joeng6樣dou1都hou2好lek1叻，daan6但hai6係m4唔sik1識gong2講jing1英man2文zau6就hai6係keoi5佢zaau3罩mun4門。
He is great at everything, but not knowing English is his Achilles' heel.
This plan looks perfect, does it actually have any weaknesses?
Related words
Common phrases
to find the Achilles' heel
to attack the weak point
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe minor personal shortcomings or simple dislikes. It is reserved for significant vulnerabilities that threaten the overall integrity or success of the subject.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
