him3欠
Jyutpinghim3
Yalehim
Definition
To owe; to be indebted or under obligation to pay someone.
colloquialmoneypeople
How it's used
Beyond financial debts, this word is frequently used in social contexts to describe owing someone a favor or an apology. It carries a sense of an unfulfilled obligation that remains outstanding until settled. When used to describe a person's attitude, it can imply someone is being deliberately provocative or asking for trouble.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 唔夠, which means to not have enough of something. While 欠 can imply a lack or deficiency in formal contexts, in daily speech it almost exclusively refers to an obligation or debt.
Grammar color guide
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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.
