zi1 si6滋事
Jyutpingzi1 si6
Yalejī sih
Definition
To deliberately cause trouble, create problems, or provoke a dispute.
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
Focuses on the deliberate act of inciting conflict or creating a disturbance, often implying a malicious intent. It is frequently used in formal or news contexts to describe public disturbances, yet remains perfectly understandable in everyday speech when describing someone acting aggressively or provocatively.
Examples
Don't you go causing trouble here.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 搞事, which is a more general and informal way to say causing trouble or messing things up. 滋事 carries a slightly more serious or formal weight, often implying a breach of order or a specific intent to provoke.
Grammar color guide
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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.
