ho2 han6可恨
Jyutpingho2 han6
Yalehó hahn
Definition
Regrettable, unfortunate, or causing a sense of disappointment.
colloquialemotiondescriptions
How it's used
While often translated as regrettable, this term carries a stronger sense of frustration or annoyance compared to the more neutral 遺憾. It is frequently used to express a feeling that a situation is unfair or infuriatingly unfortunate rather than just sad. In modern spoken Cantonese, it is less common than simply saying 好可惜 or 唔抵.
Examples
It is truly regrettable that he passed away so young.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with the Mandarin meaning of hateful or detestable. In Cantonese, it primarily focuses on the sense of regret or pity for a missed opportunity or a bad outcome, rather than expressing hatred toward a person.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
