gaau1 doi6交代

Jyutpinggaau1 doi6

Yalegāu doih

Definition

(noun) 1. Explanation; 2. Elucidation

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 zou6 co3 zo2 je5 dim2 joeng2 tung4 lou5 sai3 gaau1 doi6 aa4

你做錯咗嘢，點樣同老細交代呀？

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

keoi5 zau2 go2 zan6 mou5 gaau1 doi6 cing1 co2 gaau2 dou3 daai6 gaa1 gam3 lyun6

佢走嗰陣冇交代清楚，搞到大家咁亂。

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

Common phrases

gaau1 doi6 cing1 co2

交代清楚

explain clearly

mou5 gaau1 doi6

冇交代

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.