hyun3 gaai3勸戒劝戒
Jyutpinghyun3 gaai3
Yalehyun gaai
Definition
To admonish, exhort, or warn someone against wrongdoing.
writtenpeoplecommunication
How it's used
This term carries a formal and serious tone, often implying a sense of moral authority or concern for someone's well-being. It is rarely used in casual, everyday banter between friends, as it suggests a hierarchical relationship or a significant intervention in someone's behavior. In most informal contexts, people prefer simpler verbs like 勸 or 提點.
Examples
He is admonishing you out of kindness, don't be so stubborn.
The teacher admonished the students to focus on their studies.
Related words
Common phrases
earnest and repeated admonition
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 勸告, which is a more neutral term for giving advice or suggestions. 勸戒 specifically implies a warning or a strong urge to stop doing something wrong, making it much heavier in tone.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
