fong3 hoi1放開放开
Jyutpingfong3 hoi1
Yalefong hōi
Definition
To let go; to release or detach.
colloquialdaily actionsemotion
How it's used
Beyond the literal physical act of releasing a grip, this word is frequently used in psychological contexts to describe moving on from emotional burdens or trauma. It carries a sense of active decision making, implying that the person has chosen to stop holding onto something that is holding them back. It is distinct from 鬆手, which focuses more on the physical loosening of a grip.
Examples
He is finally willing to let go of the past and start over.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 放低, which is more commonly used for putting things down or setting objects aside rather than releasing a person or an emotional attachment.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
