faai3 di1 laa1快啲啦！
Jyutpingfaai3 di1 laa1
Yalefaai dī lā
Definition
Hurry up!
colloquialdaily actionstime
How it's used
Adding 啲 after an adjective is a fundamental way to make commands or suggestions sound more natural and less aggressive in Cantonese. While it literally implies a small degree, in this context it acts as a softener that turns a blunt order into a friendly nudge. Using it without the particle 啦 can sound like a direct criticism of someone's speed rather than a request for them to hurry.
Examples
Hurry up, if we don't leave now we won't make it!
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple adverb meaning quickly, but it functions primarily as an imperative structure. Avoid using it in formal settings or with superiors, as it can be perceived as impatient or rude regardless of the tone.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
