fei2誹诽
Jyutpingfei2
Yaleféi
Definition
To gossip or talk behind someone's back.
writtencommunicationpeople
How it's used
While this character appears in formal written contexts, it is rarely used as a standalone verb in spoken Cantonese. Most speakers prefer the phrase 講是非 to express the act of gossiping. Using this character in casual conversation can sound overly literary or even slightly pretentious.
Examples
They are always gathering together to gossip about others.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a common verb, but it is primarily a morpheme found in formal compounds. You will almost never hear a native speaker use it in a sentence, so stick to 講是非 to avoid sounding unnatural.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
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Connector
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.
