gwaai3 zaak3怪責怪责
Jyutpinggwaai3 zaak3
Yalegwaai jaak
Definition
To blame, scold, or find fault with someone for doing something wrong.
neutralemotiondaily actions
How it's used
Carries a slightly more formal or serious tone than common alternatives like 鬧 or 埋怨. It often implies a sense of moral judgment or holding someone accountable for a specific failure rather than just expressing annoyance. You will frequently hear it used in contexts where someone is reflecting on their own actions or justifying why someone else should not be held responsible.
Examples
Don't blame him, he didn't mean for it to happen.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this in casual, lighthearted situations where 鬧 or 罵 is more appropriate. It sounds too heavy or accusatory for minor everyday mistakes like forgetting to buy milk.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Adjective
Adverb
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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.
