o1阿
Jyutpingo1
Yaleō
Definition
To cater to, flatter, or show partiality to someone.
writtenpeoplecommunication
How it's used
This morpheme is almost exclusively encountered in the formal compound 阿諛, which describes the act of flattering someone to gain favor. It carries a strong negative connotation of being servile or insincere. Outside of this specific literary pairing, it is rarely used as a standalone verb in modern spoken Cantonese.
Examples
He is always fawning over the boss.
Don't be so sycophantic; you should speak the truth.
Related words
Common phrases
to fawn over; to flatter
upright and incorruptible
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with the common prefix 阿 used for nicknames or kinship terms, such as 阿媽 or 阿強. The prefix is a neutral marker of familiarity, whereas this morpheme is restricted to the context of sycophancy and formal idioms.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
