hoi6害

Jyutpinghoi6

Yalehoih

Definition

To harm, cause trouble, or bring disaster to others.

to do harm to; to injure; to damage
to cause trouble to; to bring misfortune or disaster to
harm; damage; calamity; disadvantage

colloquialpeopleemotion

How it's used

Often used in a slightly dramatic or accusatory tone when someone feels that an action has led to negative consequences for another person. It carries a stronger weight than simply causing a mistake, implying a sense of betrayal or significant misfortune. It is frequently paired with 咗 to emphasize the completed, irreversible nature of the harm caused.

Examples

nei5 gam3 joeng2 zou6 wui6 ji5 hoi6 zo2 keoi5 gaa4

你咁樣做會害咗佢㗎。

Doing it this way will end up harming him.

bin1 go3 hoi6 dou3 nei5 gam3 caam2 aa4

邊個害到你咁慘呀？

Who caused you to end up in such a miserable state?

Common phrases

hoi6 jan4

害人

to harm others

hoi6 cung4

害蟲

pest

Common mistake

Avoid using it to mean simply annoying someone, as it implies a much more serious level of damage or misfortune. For minor annoyances or disturbances, use 煩 instead.