bei6 wai5避諱避讳

Jyutpingbei6 wai5

Yalebeih wáih

動詞

Definition

To avoid saying a taboo name, typically that of an emperor or an elder relative.

writtenpeopleother

How it's used

Refers specifically to the cultural practice of showing respect by omitting the names of those in positions of authority or seniority. While it originates from historical traditions regarding emperors and ancestors, it is now often used in a broader sense to describe avoiding sensitive or taboo topics in conversation. It carries a formal and historical weight that distinguishes it from simply avoiding a person.

Examples

ji5以cin4前di1啲jan4人jiu3要bei6避wai5諱，m4唔gam2敢zik6直fu1呼zoeng2長bui3輩go3個ming4名。

In the past, people had to avoid saying the names of their elders directly.

nei5你zi1知m4唔zi1知ji5以cin4前di1啲jan4人dim2點joeng2樣bei6避wai5諱wong4皇dai3帝go3個ming4名aa4呀？

Do you know how people in the past avoided saying the emperor's name?

Common phrases

bei6避wai5諱ming4名wai5諱

to avoid using a personal name

Common mistake

Learners often confuse this with the general verb 避開, which means to physically dodge or move away from something. Remember that 避諱 is strictly about linguistic avoidance or taboo, not physical avoidance.