hoi1 je6開夜开夜
Jyutpinghoi1 je6
Yalehōi yeh
Definition
To work late into the night, especially for a job; to burn the midnight oil.
colloquialworktime
How it's used
Focuses specifically on the act of working through the night, often implying a sense of urgency or an overwhelming workload. While it can apply to students studying, it is most frequently heard in professional settings to describe overtime. It carries a slightly weary tone, reflecting the exhaustion associated with staying up late to finish tasks.
Examples
The company has been very busy lately, and we have to work late all the time.
Related words
Common phrases
working late to meet a deadline
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 捱夜, which refers to the act of staying up late regardless of whether one is working or just procrastinating. 開夜 implies a productive or work-related purpose.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
