fei1 lai5非禮非礼
Jyutpingfei1 lai5
Yalefēi láih
Definition
To commit indecent assault or to sexually harass someone through non-consensual physical contact.
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
Carries a serious legal and moral weight in Hong Kong, functioning as a formal term for indecent assault that is also used in everyday speech to describe the act. It specifically implies non-consensual physical contact of a sexual nature, often occurring in crowded public spaces like the MTR. Using this word is a direct accusation of a crime, so it is rarely used lightly or as a joke.
Examples
She was sexually harassed on the bus.
Why are you groping someone?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with general harassment or bullying, which would be 騷擾. It specifically requires physical contact, whereas 騷擾 can be verbal or psychological.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Adjective
Adverb
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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.
