zi6 gei1伺機伺机
Jyutpingzi6 gei1
Yalejih gēi
Definition
To wait for an opportunity to do something.
neutraldaily actions
How it's used
Carries a slightly negative or suspicious connotation, often implying that someone is waiting for a chance to do something sneaky, harmful, or opportunistic. It is much more formal than the everyday phrase 等機會, making it sound more calculated or tactical when used in conversation.
Examples
He is waiting for a chance at the door to sneak in.
Common phrases
to wait for a chance to take revenge
Common mistake
Learners often use it in neutral contexts like waiting for a job opportunity, but it is better reserved for situations involving strategy, ambush, or mischief.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
