hou2 gaan3好閒好闲
Jyutpinghou2 gaan3
Yalehóu gaan
Definition
No big deal; of little importance and not worth worrying about.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Employ this phrase to dismiss a situation as trivial or unworthy of emotional investment. It often carries a reassuring or nonchalant tone, frequently paired with the particle 啫 to emphasize that the matter is minor. It functions as a way to downplay someone else's anxiety or to express that a mistake is easily forgivable.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe something that is objectively serious or when someone is genuinely distressed, as it can sound dismissive or insensitive. It is strictly for situations that are minor or inconsequential.
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.
