hei3 kyun4棄權弃权
Jyutpinghei3 kyun4
Yalehei kyùhn
Definition
To waive a right; to abstain from voting or withdraw from a competition.
neutralworkother
How it's used
Focuses on the voluntary act of giving up a right or opportunity, often in formal settings like elections or sports competitions. It carries a sense of neutrality, implying the person is choosing not to exercise their power rather than being forced out. It is rarely used in casual, everyday conversation unless discussing specific institutional procedures.
Examples
He decided to withdraw and not participate in this match.
Can you abstain when it comes to voting?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 放棄, which is a broader term for giving up on something or someone. 棄權 specifically implies you had a right or a turn that you are now choosing not to use.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
