hou2 ji3好意
Jyutpinghou2 ji3
Yalehóu yi
Definition
Good intention, kindness, or goodwill.
neutralemotionpeople
How it's used
This term is almost exclusively used with the measure word 番 to emphasize the sincerity or weight of the gesture. It often appears in contexts where someone's well-intentioned actions might be misunderstood or rejected by the recipient. Using it helps soften the blow when explaining that a person's behavior was not meant to be malicious.
Measure word
faan1番fānExamples
They are trying to help you out of kindness, don't reject them.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often try to use it as an adjective to mean kind, but it is strictly a noun. You cannot say someone is 好意; instead, you must say they have good intentions or are doing something out of good intentions.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
