zap1 tau4 zap1 mei5執頭執尾执头执尾
Jyutpingzap1 tau4 zap1 mei5
Yalejāp tàuh jāp méih
Definition
To do odd jobs and miscellaneous chores, such as tidying up after others or making final touch-ups to a project.
colloquialdaily actionswork
How it's used
This expression carries a slightly weary or frustrated tone, as it often implies cleaning up after someone else's lack of foresight or carelessness. It is commonly used in workplace or domestic settings where one person feels burdened by the minor, tedious tasks left behind by others. The phrase emphasizes the repetitive and fragmented nature of these small chores.
Examples
Are you done yet? How much longer do you need to tidy up the loose ends?
Related words
Common phrases
to tidy up or fix mistakes for someone else
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for simply cleaning a room, but it specifically refers to handling miscellaneous, often unplanned, tasks or fixing errors left by others rather than routine maintenance.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
