gaau1 doi6交代

Jyutpinggaau1 doi6

Yalegāau doih

動詞Common

Definition

To explain, make clear, or account for something that others need to know.

to explain or make clear something that others need to know
to account for or justify oneself, especially regarding a mistake
to hand over duties or responsibilities to a successor

colloquialworkcommunication

How it's used

Carries a strong sense of accountability or responsibility, often implying that someone is expected to provide an account for their actions or a situation. It is frequently used in professional or formal settings when someone needs to justify a mistake or report on the progress of a task. Unlike a simple explanation, it implies a duty to satisfy the expectations of others.

Examples

nei5你zou6做co3錯zo2咗je5嘢，dim2點joeng2樣tung4同lou5老sai3細gaau1交doi6代aa4呀？

You messed up, how are you going to explain this to the boss?

keoi5佢zau2走go2嗰zan6陣mou5冇gaau1交doi6代cing1清co2楚，gaau2搞dou3到daai6大gaa1家gam3咁lyun6亂。

He didn't explain things clearly when he left, which caused all this chaos.

Common phrases

gaau1交doi6代cing1清co2楚

explain clearly

mou5冇gaau1交doi6代

without explanation

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a simple synonym of 解釋, but it specifically implies a social or professional obligation to report back or justify one's conduct. Using it for a casual explanation of a fact or a simple question can sound overly serious or accusatory.