gaai3戒
Jyutpinggaai3
Yalegaai
Definition
A warning or lesson to avoid making the same mistake again.
neutralother
How it's used
Refers specifically to a lesson learned from a past mistake that serves as a deterrent against repeating it. It is often used in the formal idiom 引以為戒, which means to take something as a warning. While it shares the character with 戒指, the noun usage for a warning is distinct and carries a more serious, cautionary tone.
Examples
You should take this as a warning and not make the same mistake again.
Related words
Common phrases
to take as a warning
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with the verb 戒, which means to quit or abstain from something like 戒煙 or 戒酒. When used as a noun meaning a warning or lesson, it is almost exclusively found in the set phrase 引以為戒 rather than as a standalone noun in daily speech.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
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Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
