jau5 jan1誘因诱因
Jyutpingjau5 jan1
Yaleyáuh yān
Definition
An incentive; a factor that motivates, encourages, or prompts an action.
neutralworkmoney
How it's used
Often used in formal or professional contexts like business, economics, or policy discussions, despite being a noun. It refers specifically to external factors that motivate someone to act in a certain way. Unlike general motivation, which is an internal drive, it implies a calculated benefit or reward.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
A pay raise is the best work incentive.
What incentives do you think this plan has?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid confusing this with 藉口, which refers to an excuse or a pretext for an action. While both can influence behavior, 誘因 is positive and goal-oriented, whereas 藉口 is typically negative or defensive.
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.



