zau6 sau2 pong4 gun1袖手旁觀袖手旁观
Jyutpingzau6 sau2 pong4 gun1
Yalejauh sáu pòhng gūn
Definition
To stand by and watch without helping or interfering; to sit back and look on indifferently.
neutralpeopledaily actions
How it's used
Carries a strong sense of moral criticism or disapproval, implying that the person watching has a duty to intervene but chooses not to. It is often used in formal contexts or serious discussions about social responsibility, though it is perfectly understood in casual speech. It paints a vivid picture of someone literally keeping their hands tucked away in their sleeves to avoid getting involved.
Examples
How can you just stand by and watch when someone is in trouble?
They are fighting, we had better not just stand by and watch.
Related words
Common phrases
cannot just stand by and watch
definitely will not stand by and watch
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe someone who is simply watching a game or a performance, as it specifically implies a situation where help or action is expected.
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.
