zik6 ci4藉詞藉词
Jyutpingzik6 ci4
Yalejihk chìh
Definition
To use as an excuse; to make up a reason in order to shirk or avoid responsibility.
colloquialdaily actionspeople
How it's used
Focuses on the act of using a pretext to avoid an obligation or responsibility. It carries a slightly formal or critical tone compared to simply saying 搵藉口, as it implies a deliberate attempt to deceive or manipulate the situation to one's advantage.
Examples
He always makes excuses about being busy and refuses to help me.
Don't make excuses to get out of it, you must go this time.
Related words
Common phrases
to use a pretext to shirk responsibility
to make an excuse for being absent
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 藉口, which is a noun meaning excuse. Remember that 藉詞 functions as a verb phrase, so it is followed by the action or the reason being used as a pretext.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
