gaai3 tiu4戒條戒条

Jyutpinggaai3 tiu4

Yalegaai tìuh

名詞

Definition

Commandment, precept, or an absolute, unbreakable rule.

neutralother

How it's used

Originally rooted in Buddhist monastic codes, this term has evolved to describe any rigid, non-negotiable set of principles or foundational rules. It carries a heavier, more solemn weight than standard words like 規矩 or 規則, implying that the consequences for violation are severe or moral in nature. It is frequently used in contexts involving strict organizations, cults, or personal codes of conduct.

Measure word

tiu4條tìuh

Examples

ni1呢go3個hai6係ngo5我dei6哋gung1公si1司ge3嘅gaai3戒tiu4條，jat1一ding6定jiu3要zeon1遵sau2守。

This is the rule of our company, you must follow it.

nei5你zi1知m4唔zi1知faan6犯zo2咗gaai3戒tiu4條wui2會jau5有me1咩hau6後gwo2果aa1呀？

Do you know what the consequences are if you break the rule?

Common phrases

faan6犯gaai3戒tiu4條

to break a commandment or rule

zeon1遵sau2守gaai3戒tiu4條

to follow the commandments

Common mistake

Learners often use this interchangeably with 規則, but 戒條 implies a much higher level of sanctity or strictness. Avoid using it for simple household rules or casual guidelines, as it sounds overly dramatic or religious in those contexts.