zi2 zaak6指摘
Jyutpingzi2 zaak6
Yalejí jaahk
Definition
To find fault with, criticize, or point out mistakes, with a milder tone than 指責.
neutralcommunicationwork
How it's used
Focuses on the act of pointing out flaws or errors in someone's behavior or work, often carrying a slightly more detached or analytical tone than the more aggressive 指責. It is frequently used in professional or formal settings to describe constructive or critical feedback rather than a heated personal attack. Use this when you want to sound objective while highlighting someone's shortcomings.
Examples
He is always finding fault with how others do things behind their backs.
Related words
Common phrases
to criticise each other
to publicly find fault
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 指責, but 指摘 implies a more specific focus on identifying mistakes or flaws, whereas 指責 is a broader, more emotionally charged accusation or reprimand.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Grammar guides
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
