gwai6 wai2歸位归位
Jyutpinggwai6 wai2
Yalegwaih wái
Definition
To return to an original position or proper place.
colloquialdaily actionshome
How it's used
Often used in organizational contexts, this term implies a sense of order and restoration of a system. It is frequently employed when giving instructions to children or colleagues to maintain tidiness in a shared space. Unlike simply saying put it back, using this word emphasizes that every item has a designated, correct spot.
Examples
Remember to put the tools back in their place after using them.
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin usage which can sometimes imply returning to a state of being or a spiritual homecoming. In Cantonese, it is almost exclusively used for physical objects being returned to their storage locations.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
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.
