zik1 zik1 maai4 maai4積積埋埋积积埋埋

Jyutpingzik1 zik1 maai4 maai4

Yalejīk jīk màaih màaih

Definition

To accumulate or pile up over a long period of time.

colloquialdaily actionsother

How it's used

This reduplicated verb structure emphasizes the gradual, often unintentional process of things accumulating over time. It is frequently used with a slightly negative connotation, implying that the speaker is overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tasks, chores, or objects that have been neglected. You will often hear it used when someone is complaining about a backlog of work or a messy room.

Examples

nei5你di1啲saam1衫zik1積zik1積maai4埋maai4埋hou2好do1多mei6未sai2洗aa4呀。

You have piled up a lot of clothes that haven't been washed.

zik1積zik1積maai4埋maai4埋gam3咁do1多je5嘢，gei2幾si4時sin1先cing1清dak1得saai3晒？

With so much stuff piled up, when will you ever finish clearing it all?

Common phrases

zik1積zik1積maai4埋maai4埋hou2好do1多je5嘢

piled up a lot of stuff

zik1積zik1積maai4埋maai4埋di1啲cin2錢

accumulated savings

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a simple noun phrase, but it functions as a verb describing the process of accumulation. Do not use it to describe a single pile of objects that was placed there intentionally; it specifically highlights the passage of time and the act of letting things build up.