hei2 liu6豈料岂料
Jyutpinghei2 liu6
Yalehéi liuh
Definition
Unexpectedly; contrary to expectation.
writtenother
How it's used
This term carries a literary or formal tone that contrasts with the casual nature of spoken Cantonese. It is frequently used in written reports, news, or storytelling to introduce a sudden, often ironic, twist in events. In daily speech, people usually prefer using 點知 instead to express the same sense of surprise.
Examples
I thought he would come, but unexpectedly he bailed at the last minute.
I originally planned to go hiking, but unexpectedly it rained heavily.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often use this in casual conversation where it sounds overly dramatic or stiff. Stick to 點知 for everyday situations to avoid sounding like you are reading from a formal document.
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.
