zeoi6 fui1 wo6 sau2罪魁禍首罪魁祸首
Jyutpingzeoi6 fui1 wo6 sau2
Yalejeuih fūi woh sáu
Definition
The chief culprit or mastermind of a crime; figuratively, the root cause of a problem.
- the chief culprit or mastermind of a crime
- figurativethe main cause or root source of a problem
neutralpeopleother
How it's used
Often used in a slightly dramatic or humorous tone to assign blame for a negative outcome, even when the culprit is an inanimate object like a broken alarm or bad weather. While it carries a formal weight, it is frequently applied in casual conversation to highlight the root cause of a frustrating situation. It functions as a strong, definitive label for the primary source of trouble.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Who is the chief culprit behind this traffic accident?
It turns out the chief cause of his lateness was the alarm clock.
Related words
Common phrases
to find the chief culprit
Common mistake
Learners sometimes mistakenly use this to describe a person who simply made a small mistake, but it is reserved for the primary, most significant cause or the ringleader of a major issue.
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.
