gaai3 bei6戒備戒备
Jyutpinggaai3 bei6
Yalegaai beih
Definition
To be on the alert, guard against, or take strict precautions.
neutralother
How it's used
Focuses on a state of readiness against potential threats or negative events. It is commonly used in formal or news contexts regarding security, but can be applied metaphorically to personal interactions where someone is being overly defensive or guarded.
Examples
The police are on full alert to prevent anyone from causing trouble.
Why are you so nervous? Do you really need to be on such high alert?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe being physically awake or attentive in a general sense, as it specifically implies a defensive posture against a perceived danger.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
