zi3 san1 si6 ngoi6置身事外

Jyutpingzi3 san1 si6 ngoi6

Yaleji sān sih ngoih

語句Uncommon

Definition

To keep oneself out of an affair; to remain aloof and uninvolved in a matter.

colloquialpeopledaily actions

How it's used

Carries a slightly formal or literary tone despite being used in everyday speech to describe someone avoiding trouble. It often implies a conscious decision to remain neutral or detached when others are involved in a conflict. While it describes an action, it is frequently used to criticize someone for being indifferent or unwilling to help.

Examples

keoi5佢dei6哋naau6鬧gaau1交，ngo5我gang2梗hai6係zi3置san1身si6事ngoi6外laa1啦。

They are arguing, so of course I should stay out of it.

le1呢gin2件si6事gam3咁fuk1複zaap6雜，nei5你dim2點joeng2樣zi3置san1身si6事ngoi6外aa4呀？

This matter is so complicated, how can you possibly keep yourself out of it?

Common phrases

jyun4完cyun4全zi3置san1身si6事ngoi6外

completely stay out of the matter

soeng2想zi3置san1身si6事ngoi6外

want to stay out of the matter

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a simple verb, but it functions more like an idiom or a set phrase. It cannot be easily modified with common aspect markers like 咗 or 緊, as the phrase itself describes a state of detachment rather than a specific action.