jau1休
Jyutpingjau1
Yaleyāu
Definition
Do not; used to express prohibition or advising against an action.
colloquialdaily actionsemotion
How it's used
Carries a strong, dismissive tone that implies the speaker is completely shutting down the possibility of an action happening. It is significantly more emphatic and aggressive than simply using 唔好. Often used in confrontational contexts where someone is making an unreasonable request or has a delusional expectation.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
don't even think about it
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin usage where it can mean to rest. In Cantonese, it is almost exclusively used in the phrase 休想 to mean absolutely not.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
