zyu1 si6 baat3 gwaa3諸事八卦诸事八卦
Jyutpingzyu1 si6 baat3 gwaa3
Yalejyū sih baat gwa
Definition
Gossipy, meddlesome, or nosy.
colloquialpeopleslang
How it's used
This phrase combines two distinct terms for meddling into one emphatic expression. While 八卦 originally refers to the Eight Trigrams in Taoist cosmology, it evolved into a common slang term for gossip or prying into others' private affairs. Using the full four-character phrase adds a layer of annoyance or judgment toward someone who cannot mind their own business.
Examples
Why are you being so nosy?
Related words
Common phrases
a nosy person
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the noun 八卦, which refers to the gossip itself. When used as an adjective or verb phrase, it describes a person's behavior rather than the information being shared.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
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Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
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- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
