hei1 ling4欺凌
Jyutpinghei1 ling4
Yalehēi lìhng
Definition
To bully and humiliate, often involving exclusion, harassment, or violence.
neutralpeopleother
How it's used
This term carries a formal and serious weight, often appearing in news reports or school policies regarding harassment. While it describes the act of bullying, it is less common in casual conversation than the more direct verb 蝦, which is the everyday way to describe picking on someone.
Examples
He is always being bullied at school, it is so miserable.
Why do you have to bully the new classmate?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often use this word in lighthearted contexts where it does not fit. Because it implies a systematic or severe power imbalance, it is inappropriate to use when describing playful teasing or minor disagreements between friends.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
