coi1啋

Jyutpingcoi1

Yalechōi

感嘆詞

Definition

An exclamation used to ward off bad luck after hearing or speaking of something inauspicious.

colloquialother

How it's used

This interjection functions as a verbal ward against bad omens or jinxes. It is almost exclusively paired with the phrase 大吉利是 to emphasize that the preceding statement should be disregarded as bad luck. While English speakers might physically knock on wood, Cantonese speakers rely on this vocal reaction to immediately neutralize the negative energy of a comment.

Examples

coi1啋！daai6大gat1吉lai6利si6是，gong2講di1啲hou2好je5嘢laa1啦。

Touch wood! That's unlucky, say something positive.

coi1啋！nei5你m4唔hou2好lyun6亂gong2講je5嘢aa4呀。

Touch wood! Don't talk nonsense.

Common phrases

coi1啋！daai6大gat1吉lai6利si6是

Touch wood! (May it not happen)

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with a simple exclamation of surprise or annoyance. It is specifically reserved for responding to superstitious concerns or inauspicious remarks, and using it in other contexts will sound confusing or bizarre to native speakers.