zo2 jau6 zou6 jan4 naan4左右做人難左右做人难
Jyutpingzo2 jau6 zou6 jan4 naan4
Yalejó yauh jouh yàhn nàahn
Definition
To be caught in a dilemma between two parties; to find it hard to please both sides.
colloquialemotionpeople
How it's used
This expression describes the specific social pressure of trying to please two conflicting parties simultaneously. It is frequently used when a person is caught between family members, such as a spouse and a parent, or between a boss and a colleague. The phrase emphasizes the emotional exhaustion of being the mediator who cannot satisfy everyone.
Examples
They are arguing, and being stuck in the middle is a real dilemma.
How do you expect me to choose? It's honestly such a difficult position to be in.
Related words
Common phrases
really caught in a dilemma
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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).
