fui3 fan1悔婚
Jyutpingfui3 fan1
Yalefui fān
Definition
To call off or annul a marriage engagement.
neutralfamilypeople
How it's used
Focuses specifically on the act of breaking a formal promise to marry before the wedding actually takes place. It carries a heavy social weight in traditional contexts, often implying a breach of trust or a significant change of heart. Unlike simply breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend, this term implies a public or semi-public commitment has been retracted.
Examples
They decided to call off the engagement, and everyone was very surprised.
Have you thought it through? Do you really want to call off the engagement?
Related words
Common phrases
suddenly call off an engagement
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 離婚, which refers to the legal dissolution of an existing marriage. Using this word implies the couple was engaged but not yet legally wed.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
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.
