zyun2 waan1 mut3 gok3轉彎抹角转弯抹角
Jyutpingzyun2 waan1 mut3 gok3
Yalejyún wāan mut gok
Definition
To beat about the bush; to speak in an indirect or roundabout way rather than getting straight to the point.
colloquialcommunicationdescriptions
How it's used
This idiom describes someone who avoids getting straight to the point, often because they are hesitant or trying to be tactful. It carries a slightly negative connotation of being inefficient or intentionally obscure. It is frequently used when the speaker is losing patience with someone else's lack of clarity.
Examples
Stop beating about the bush, just get to the point.
Related words
Common phrases
to speak in an indirect way
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse this with 兜圈, which also means to go in circles or be indirect. While both are used for speech, 轉彎抹角 specifically emphasizes the act of avoiding the main point, whereas 兜圈 can also refer to physical movement or wasting time in a more general sense.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
