zim1 sau2沾手
Jyutpingzim1 sau2
Yalejīm sáu
Definition
To have a hand in something; to touch or get involved with a matter, often a negative one.
colloquialworkdaily actions
How it's used
Focuses on the act of getting involved in a situation, often implying a sense of reluctance or caution. It is frequently used in negative contexts where someone wants to avoid complications or trouble associated with a specific project or conflict.
Examples
I don't want to have a hand in this business deal.
Related words
Common phrases
have a hand in a business
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the literal meaning of getting one's hands dirty or sticky. It is strictly used in a figurative sense regarding involvement in affairs or projects.
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.
