faat3 wai4發圍发围
Jyutpingfaat3 wai4
Yalefaat wàih
Definition
To quickly rise to success, or to boss someone around and lose one's temper.
- to achieve rapid success; to develop a career or business successfully
- to boss people around, throw one's weight around, or lose one's temper
colloquialwork
How it's used
Focuses on the sudden transition from obscurity or mediocrity to success, often implying a breakthrough moment. It carries a sense of momentum, suggesting that the person or business has finally found the right conditions to flourish. It is frequently used to encourage someone who has been working hard but has not yet seen significant results.
Examples
He changed jobs recently, it looks like he will be successful very soon.
You are so talented, you will definitely make it big one day.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin usage of 发威, which means to show one's power or to throw a tantrum. In Cantonese, 發圍 is strictly about career or business success, never about aggression or losing one's temper.
Grammar color guide
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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.
