zo6 si6坐視坐视
Jyutpingzo6 si6
Yalejoh sih
Definition
To sit back and watch without intervening or helping.
neutralpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Often used in the four character idiom 坐視不理, this term carries a strong sense of moral condemnation or criticism for inaction. It implies that the person observing has a responsibility or ability to intervene but chooses to remain passive. It is more formal than simply saying 唔理, making it common in news reports or serious discussions about social responsibility.
Examples
How can you just sit by and do nothing when someone is in trouble?
It is outrageous that they are still just sitting and watching despite so many problems.
Related words
Common phrases
to sit by and do nothing
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a neutral way to say watching or observing, but it carries a negative connotation of apathy or negligence. Do not use it to describe simply watching a movie or observing a process.
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.
