gau2詬诟

Jyutpinggau2

Yalegáu

Definition

To insult, humiliate, or criticize.

writtencommunicationother

How it's used

This character is almost exclusively found in the formal compound 詬病, which functions as a verb meaning to criticize or find fault with something. It carries a formal or literary tone and is rarely used as a standalone verb in spoken Cantonese. You will frequently encounter it in news reports or formal discussions regarding public policy or social issues.

Examples

keoi5佢seng4成jat6日gau3詬beng6病gung1公si1司zai3制dou6度m4唔gung1公ping4平。

He constantly criticizes the company's system for being unfair.

ni1呢go3個gai3計waak6劃jan1因wai6為on1安cyun4全man6問tai4題bei6被daai6大zung3眾gau3詬beng6病。

This plan was criticized by the public due to safety issues.

Common phrases

wai4為jan4人gau3詬beng6病

to be criticized by people

bei6備sau6受gau3詬beng6病

to be widely criticized

Common mistake

Do not attempt to use this as a standalone verb in casual conversation, as it sounds unnatural and overly academic. Stick to using it within the set phrase 詬病 to avoid sounding pretentious.