hau5 lai5厚禮厚礼
Jyutpinghau5 lai5
Yaleháuh láih
Definition
A generous, valuable, and abundant gift.
neutralpeopleother
How it's used
Carries a formal and respectful tone, often reserved for significant life events like weddings, housewarmings, or major business milestones. It implies not just a high monetary value, but also a sense of sincerity and importance behind the gesture. Unlike casual presents, it is rarely used for small tokens of appreciation.
Measure word
fan2份fánExamples
I gave him a generous gift when he got married.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this for everyday small gifts or casual presents between friends, as it will sound overly dramatic or sarcastic. It is strictly reserved for substantial, formal offerings.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
