haai1嗨
Jyutpinghaai1
Yalehāai
Definition
An exclamation of sighing, sadness, or regret, similar to "alas" or "sigh".
colloquialcommunicationslang
How it's used
This interjection functions primarily as an informal greeting or an expression of mild realization. It is heavily influenced by English usage and is most common among younger generations in casual settings. When used as an exclamation of realization, it often carries a sense of slight disappointment or sudden clarity.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Hey, hello
Common mistake
Be extremely careful as the character 嗨 is a homophone for a very common and highly offensive vulgarity in Cantonese. While the greeting is understood in context, using it in writing or with strangers can lead to significant misunderstandings or social offense.
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.
