gu1 fu6辜負辜负
Jyutpinggu1 fu6
Yalegū fuh
Definition
To let down, fail, or disappoint someone's hopes or expectations.
neutralemotionpeople
How it's used
This term carries a weight of moral obligation or deep emotional investment, often implying that someone has provided support, trust, or love that should not be wasted. It is more formal and serious than simply saying someone is disappointed. You will frequently hear it used in contexts involving personal relationships, career opportunities, or sacrifices made by parents.
Examples
Please do not let down his good intentions.
Related words
Common phrases
to fail to meet expectations
Common mistake
Avoid using this in casual, trivial situations like missing a bus or forgetting to buy milk, as it sounds overly dramatic and heavy. It is reserved for significant life events or deep personal commitments.
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.
