gaai3 dai3芥蒂
Jyutpinggaai3 dai3
Yalegaai dai
Definition
Ill feeling, resentment, or a grudge that prevents one from acting naturally toward a person or matter.
neutralemotionpeople
How it's used
Refers to a lingering sense of awkwardness or emotional barrier that prevents people from interacting normally after a conflict. It implies a subtle, internal discomfort rather than an explosive argument. People often use it when describing a relationship that has become strained or distant.
Examples
It seems there is still some ill feeling between them.
Once everyone talks it out, there won't be any grudges left.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simple anger or a temporary argument. It specifically describes the residual, internal emotional blockage that remains even after a conflict has supposedly ended.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
