fan1 sau2分手
Jyutpingfan1 sau2
Yalefān sáu
Definition
To break up or end a romantic relationship, or to part ways and say goodbye.
- to break up; to end a romantic relationship
- to part ways; to separate or say goodbye after meeting
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
Focuses specifically on the dissolution of a romantic partnership rather than just parting ways at the end of a meeting. While it can technically mean to part ways in a general sense, using it for friends saying goodbye at a bus stop sounds overly dramatic or confusing. It is the standard term used when a couple decides to end their relationship.
Examples
They have been dating for years, why did they suddenly break up?
I broke up with my boyfriend, I am feeling very sad.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this word to describe leaving a location or saying goodbye to a friend after hanging out. For those situations, use 走 or 再見 instead.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
