haau6 jau4效尤
Jyutpinghaau6 jau4
Yalehaauh yàuh
Definition
To imitate or follow a bad example.
writtenother
How it's used
Carries a strong negative connotation as it is exclusively used for copying undesirable behaviors or mistakes. It is almost always found in formal contexts or written reports regarding discipline and consequences. You will rarely hear it in casual conversation unless someone is being intentionally dramatic or overly formal.
Examples
Him doing this will only cause others to follow his bad example.
We must punish them severely so that no one else follows their bad example.
Related words
Common phrases
to punish as a warning to others
Common mistake
Do not use this word for positive imitation or learning from someone's good example, as that would sound highly unnatural and confusing. For positive imitation, use 學習 or 模仿 instead.
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.
