caan4 hoi6殘害残害
Jyutpingcaan4 hoi6
Yalechàahn hoih
Definition
To brutally harm, slaughter, or persecute.
writtenpeopleother
How it's used
This term carries a heavy, formal weight and is typically reserved for severe, systemic, or morally abhorrent acts of violence. Unlike everyday words for hurting someone, it implies a deliberate and cruel disregard for life or well-being. It is frequently encountered in news reports or historical accounts rather than casual conversation.
Examples
It is truly inhumane for them to brutally harm small animals like that.
Who could bear to slaughter these innocent lives?
Related words
Common phrases
to slaughter lives
to brutally repress the people
Common mistake
Avoid using this for minor injuries or accidental harm, as it implies a high level of malice and brutality. It is not interchangeable with general verbs like 打 or 傷害.
Grammar color guide
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Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Particle
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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.
