zi2 zi2 dim2 dim2指指點點指指点点
Jyutpingzi2 zi2 dim2 dim2
Yalejí jí dím dím
Definition
To point fingers, gossip, or speak ill of someone behind their back.
colloquialpeoplecommunication
How it's used
指指點點 carries a strong sense of unwanted interference or judgmental gossip. It implies that the person is not just talking, but actively criticizing or directing others in a way that feels condescending or intrusive. It is frequently used to describe nosy neighbors or people who offer unsolicited advice.
Examples
Stop gossiping about people behind their backs.
Why do you need to boss them around while they work?
Related words
Common phrases
always gossiping or bossing people around
gossiping behind someone's back
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for simply pointing at something with a finger. While it can involve physical gestures, the term is almost exclusively used metaphorically to describe negative behavior or criticism.
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.
