ze3 di1 ji2借啲意
Jyutpingze3 di1 ji2
Yaleje dī yí
Definition
To use an excuse to get away with something, avoid responsibility, or take advantage of an opportunity.
colloquialdaily actionspeople
How it's used
This phrase carries a slightly negative or mischievous connotation, implying that the person is being opportunistic or insincere. It is often used to describe someone who creates a pretext to achieve a hidden goal, such as getting closer to someone or avoiding a tedious task. The structure is fixed and cannot be easily modified by adding other aspect markers inside the phrase.
Examples
He always finds excuses to go see you, he must be interested in you.
Why are you taking the opportunity to slack off? Hurry up and help out.
Related words
Common phrases
to take the opportunity to slip away
to use an excuse to ask
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with simply asking for permission or stating a reason. Remember that this phrase specifically implies a strategic, often slightly sneaky, use of a situation to one's own advantage.
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.
