baai6 waai6敗壞败坏
Jyutpingbaai6 waai6
Yalebaaih waaih
Definition
To corrupt, spoil, or ruin something, causing it to degenerate.
writtendescriptions
How it's used
This term carries a formal and serious tone, often used in contexts involving moral decay or the degradation of social values. While it can apply to physical objects or situations, it is most frequently encountered in discussions about ethics, character, or the reputation of an institution. It implies a sense of irreversible damage or deep-seated corruption rather than just a minor mistake.
Examples
His behavior is really ruining the company's reputation.
Do you know that these bad trends will corrupt the next generation?
Related words
Common phrases
to corrupt social customs
to ruin one's reputation
Common mistake
Avoid using this in casual daily conversation to describe things like spoiled food or broken objects, as it sounds overly dramatic and literary. For physical decay or broken items, use 壞咗 or 爛咗 instead.
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.
