gei1 lau4羈留羁留
Jyutpinggei1 lau4
Yalegēi làuh
Definition
To detain, custody, or keep under guard.
writtenother
How it's used
This term is primarily used in formal, legal, or administrative contexts, such as police procedures or immigration control. It carries a sense of official authority and restriction of movement that distinguishes it from casual words for being stuck or kept somewhere. You will most frequently encounter it in news reports or official notices regarding detention facilities.
Examples
He was detained by the police for two days.
Do you know why he has to be detained here?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with general words for staying or waiting. Avoid using it for social situations like waiting for a friend or staying at a hotel, as it implies a loss of freedom enforced by an authority.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
