zi2 sau2 waak6 goek3指手劃腳指手划脚
Jyutpingzi2 sau2 waak6 goek3
Yalejí sáu waahk geuk
Definition
To gesticulate and use body language, or to order people about without helping.
- to gesticulate; to make hand gestures or use body language
- to order people about; to criticize and find fault without helping
colloquialdaily actionspeople
How it's used
Beyond the literal meaning of using hand gestures, this expression carries a strong negative connotation of being bossy or overly critical. It is frequently used to describe someone who gives instructions or critiques others without actually contributing any real effort to the task. The phrase implies an annoying or arrogant demeanor that disrupts the flow of work.
Examples
He likes to gesticulate when he talks.
Stop ordering people around and do it yourself.
Related words
Common phrases
likes to gesticulate or boss people around
gesticulating right now
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply pointing at something, which is usually just referred to as 指. Using this phrase implies a continuous, often distracting, display of body language that suggests the speaker is trying to control or belittle others.
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.
