gwo3 gaai3過界过界
Jyutpinggwo3 gaai3
Yalegwo gaai
Definition
To cross a boundary; to overstep a line or encroach on someone else's territory.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Often used to describe someone violating social boundaries or professional ethics rather than physical borders. It carries a strong sense of disapproval, implying that the person has failed to respect the established limits of a situation or relationship. When used in a workplace or social setting, it serves as a serious warning that someone's behavior has become unacceptable.
Examples
Don't go too far with what you're saying.
Related words
Common phrases
to overstep one's authority or territory
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with physical border crossing, which is usually described using 跨境 or 過境. While it can refer to physical space, such as a student putting their arm on a desk neighbor's side, it is most frequently used metaphorically for behavioral overstepping.
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.
