zau1 san1 dou1 mou5 zoeng1 lei6周身刀冇張利周身刀冇张利
Jyutpingzau1 san1 dou1 mou5 zoeng1 lei6
Yalejāu sān dōu móuh jēung leih
Definition
Jack of all trades, master of none; to know many skills but be expert in none.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This idiom is used to critique someone who spreads their focus too thin across many skills without achieving mastery in any. It carries a slightly cynical or cautionary tone, often directed at people who are indecisive about their career path or hobbies. It highlights the frustration of having broad but shallow knowledge.
Examples
He changes jobs all the time; he is really a jack of all trades, master of none.
Why are you learning so many things? Be careful of being a jack of all trades, master of none.
Common phrases
having many skills
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a compliment about being versatile, but it is almost exclusively used as a criticism or a warning. It is not a neutral description of someone with many talents.
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.
