zok3 zyu2作主

Jyutpingzok3 zyu2

Yalejok jyú

動詞Rare

Definition

To make a decision and take responsibility for it, or to adjudicate and uphold justice.

to make a decision and take responsibility for it
to uphold justice or adjudicate for someone or something

colloquialdaily actionspeople

How it's used

Focuses on the authority or autonomy to finalize a choice rather than the act of choosing itself. It is frequently used in negative constructions to express a lack of power or permission to finalize an outcome. When someone says they cannot作主, they are often signaling that they must consult a superior or family member before proceeding.

Examples

le1呢gin2件si6事ngo5我zok3作m4唔dou3到zyu2主aa4呀。

I cannot make the decision on this matter.

nei5你daai6大go3個zai2仔laa3喇，zi6自gei2己zok3作zyu2主laa1啦。

You are a grown man now, make your own decisions.

Common phrases

zi6自gei2己zok3作zyu2主

make one's own decisions

zok3作m4唔dou3到zyu2主

cannot make the decision

Common mistake

Learners often confuse this with 決定, which is a neutral word for making a choice. Use 作主 when emphasizing the responsibility, authority, or the right to make the final call, whereas 決定 is simply the act of selecting an option.