fan3 waa6訓話训话
Jyutpingfan3 waa6
Yalefan wah
Definition
To give a stern, usually long, reprimand or admonishment to subordinates.
colloquialworkpeople
How it's used
This term carries a strong sense of hierarchy, typically used when a superior addresses a subordinate. It implies a formal or semi-formal setting where the speaker holds authority, making it feel much heavier than a simple scolding. It is often associated with a sense of dread, as the recipient usually expects a long, tedious session of being lectured.
Examples
The boss called me into the office for a lecture again.
If you mess up, you should expect to get a stern talking-to.
Related words
Common phrases
to be lectured by someone
a long-winded lecture
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 教導, which implies teaching or guiding someone. 訓話 is strictly about reprimanding or lecturing someone from a position of power.
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.
