gaam1 jan4 naai5 hau5監人乃後监人乃后
Jyutpinggaam1 jan4 naai5 hau5
Yalegāam yàhn náaih háuh
Definition
To force someone to accept something, or to compel them to do something against their will.
slangpeopleslang
How it's used
This expression is a classic example of Cantonese phonetic borrowing where the characters are chosen for their sound rather than their literal meaning. It is used to describe situations where someone is pressured into an agreement or action against their will. It carries a strong sense of resentment from the person being forced.
Examples
Don't force me, I really don't want to go.
He is always forcing people to do things, making everyone so unhappy.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake the characters for their literal meanings, which are completely unrelated to the actual slang usage. It is strictly a spoken phrase and should never be used in formal writing.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
