kwai1虧亏
Jyutpingkwai1
Yalekwāi
Definition
How dare you; how could you; used sarcastically to scold or complain about someone.
colloquialemotioncommunication
How it's used
Functioning as a sarcastic marker of disbelief, this word highlights the absurdity or audacity of someone's actions. It is almost exclusively used in confrontational or mocking contexts to express that someone's behavior is beyond reasonable expectation. The tone is sharp and accusatory, often implying that the person should feel embarrassed for their suggestion or action.
Examples
How dare you even say that out loud!
Related words
Common phrases
How could you think of that
How dare you still have the nerve
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin meaning of losing money or being physically weak. In Cantonese, it is strictly a rhetorical device used to express irony or indignation.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
