gou3 ci4告辭告辞
Jyutpinggou3 ci4
Yalegou chìh
Definition
To take leave; a polite way of saying goodbye before departing.
writtendaily actionspeople
How it's used
Carries a formal and slightly literary tone that is rarely used in casual, everyday interactions between friends. It is most appropriate when visiting someone in a professional capacity, attending a formal dinner, or speaking to an elder to show respect. Using it in a relaxed setting with peers can sound overly dramatic or ironic.
Examples
It is getting late, I should take my leave now.
Related words
Common phrases
to take one's leave first
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a standard way to say goodbye, but it is strictly a formal verb for taking leave rather than a generic farewell like 拜拜.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
