jan4 lai4人嚟
Jyutpingjan4 lai4
Yaleyàhn làih
Definition
An expression used to summon or command subordinates to come and serve.
colloquialpeopledaily actions
How it's used
This expression functions as a blunt, imperative call for assistance, often used in a service setting like a restaurant or by someone in a position of authority. It carries a demanding tone that can sound rude or condescending if used toward peers or strangers in casual social situations. It is essentially a shorthand for calling someone to perform a task immediately.
Examples
Hey! Bring a glass of water over here quickly!
Hey! There is a customer here who wants to place an order.
Related words
Common phrases
Come here! (urgent call)
Common mistake
Avoid using this to call friends or family, as it sounds like you are treating them as servants. Use 喂 or call their name instead to sound polite.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
