caai1 hin2差遣
Jyutpingcaai1 hin2
Yalechāai hín
Definition
To send or order someone to do something for you; to run errands.
colloquialworkpeople
How it's used
Carries a slightly formal or old fashioned tone, often implying that the person being sent is in a subordinate or inferior position. It is rarely used in casual, friendly requests between equals, where words like 叫 or 搵人 are much more natural. Using it can sound like you are treating the other person as a servant.
Examples
He is always sending me to do this and that.
Don't send the kids to go buy alcohol.
Related words
Common phrases
to order someone around
Common mistake
Learners often use this word in everyday situations where it sounds overly authoritative or demanding. If you just want to ask a friend to help you with a task, avoid this word and use 叫 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.
