zi3 daai6 coi4 so1志大才疏
Jyutpingzi3 daai6 coi4 so1
Yaleji daaih chòih sō
Definition
To have great ambition but lack the talent or ability to realize it.
neutralpeople
How it's used
This idiom is used to criticize someone who has high aspirations or grand plans but lacks the actual talent or capability to execute them. It carries a strong sense of condescension and is often used to describe people in leadership or management roles who are perceived as out of their depth. Unlike some other idioms, it is quite direct and can sound harsh when applied to someone's professional performance.
Examples
He is ambitious but lacks ability, always bragging without substance.
Do you think he is ambitious but incompetent, causing the company to end up like this?
Related words
Common phrases
to describe someone as ambitious but incompetent
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a neutral description of someone who is hardworking but struggling. It is specifically a negative critique of someone's arrogance or lack of self-awareness regarding their own limitations.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- 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.
