zi3 zyu1 dou6 ngoi6置諸度外置诸度外
Definition
To leave out of consideration, ignore, or not take something to heart.
How it's used
This idiom carries a formal and slightly literary tone, often used to describe a deliberate choice to disregard external pressures or negative opinions. It implies a sense of mental fortitude or detachment, suggesting that the person is choosing to focus on their own path rather than being swayed by others. While it appears in written contexts, it is perfectly acceptable in serious spoken conversation when someone wants to sound more emphatic or resolute.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with simple verbs like 唔理, but 置諸度外 implies a more active, conscious decision to mentally set something aside as if it does not exist. It is not suitable for casual situations like ignoring a phone call or a minor chore.
Grammar color guide
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).
