gou3 faat3告發告发
Jyutpinggou3 faat3
Yalegou faat
Definition
To inform against, denounce, or report someone's bad behavior or wrongdoing to the authorities.
neutralpeoplecommunication
How it's used
Carries a strong negative connotation, specifically implying the act of snitching or exposing someone's wrongdoing to an authority figure. It is distinct from simply reporting a crime, as it often suggests a personal motive or a betrayal of trust between the parties involved.
Examples
He did something bad and has been reported by someone.
Where are you planning to go to report him?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this word for neutral reporting, such as reporting a lost item to the police or a technical issue to IT support, as those contexts require neutral terms like 報案 or 報告.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
