bei2 jan4 naau6畀人鬧畀人闹
Jyutpingbei2 jan4 naau6
Yalebéi yàhn naauh
Definition
To get scolded or told off by someone.
colloquialpeopledaily actions
How it's used
This passive construction uses 畀 to indicate the agent of an action, functioning similarly to the English passive voice. It is essential to note that 畀人 followed by a verb almost always implies a negative or undesirable outcome for the subject. While 畀人鬧 is common, the structure is flexible and can be applied to other verbs like 畀人呃 or 畀人笑.
Examples
He is always late, so he is always getting scolded.
Related words
Common phrases
to be scolded severely
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use 畀 as a direct translation for the English passive 'to be', but it specifically requires an agent to follow, even if that agent is just the generic 人. You cannot simply say 畀鬧 without the person marker.
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.
