cing2 gaau3請教请教
Jyutpingcing2 gaau3
Yalechíng gaau
Definition
To ask for advice; to consult someone politely.
neutralcommunicationwork
How it's used
Using this term immediately signals a respectful and humble stance, making it ideal for professional settings or when speaking to someone senior. It functions as a polite buffer before asking a question that might be complex or require the other person's expertise. Unlike simply asking a question, this implies you value the recipient's knowledge and are seeking their guidance.
Related words
Common phrases
to ask for a bit of advice
to consult an expert
Common mistake
Avoid using this when asking simple, everyday questions among close friends, as it sounds overly formal and distant. It is specifically reserved for situations where you are genuinely seeking someone's professional or experienced opinion.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
