ceoi2娶
Jyutpingceoi2
Yalechéui
Definition
To marry a woman; for a man to take a wife into his family.
neutralfamilypeople
How it's used
This verb is strictly gendered and refers specifically to a man taking a woman as his wife. It carries a traditional nuance of bringing a woman into the groom's family, which is why it is rarely used for modern, egalitarian marriage contexts where the gender-neutral 結婚 is preferred. Using it for a woman marrying a man is grammatically incorrect.
Examples
He plans to marry a wife and bring her home next month.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use this for both genders, but it only applies to the groom. For a woman marrying a man, use 嫁 instead.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
