ho2 jau5 ho2 mou4可有可無可有可无
Jyutpingho2 jau5 ho2 mou4
Yalehó yáuh hó mòuh
Definition
Optional, dispensable, or not essential.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
This idiom describes something that does not significantly affect the outcome regardless of its presence or absence. It is frequently used to dismiss the importance of an item, a person's role, or a specific step in a process. Unlike formal Mandarin usage, it is commonly integrated into casual Cantonese sentences by adding particles like 㗎 or 咩 to soften the tone.
Examples
These decorations are completely optional.
Do you think this plan is non-essential?
Related words
Common phrases
a dispensable role
to appear non-essential
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
