hei2 gaa3起駕起驾
Jyutpinghei2 gaa3
Yalehéi ga
Definition
To set off or depart, referring to an emperor or royalty; can be used sarcastically for ordinary people.
- archaicto set off or depart, used for royalty
- slangto leave or get going, used to tease someone who takes a long time
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
Originally referring to the departure of an emperor, this term is now almost exclusively used in a teasing or sarcastic way. Calling someone an emperor when they are being slow or demanding helps highlight their perceived arrogance or laziness. It carries a performative, mock-formal tone that contrasts sharply with the mundane situation it describes.
Examples
When is your majesty departing?
Related words
Common phrases
preparing to depart
Common mistake
Do not use this in a serious or professional context, as it will sound mocking or disrespectful. It is strictly for banter among friends or family members who understand the ironic intent.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
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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.
