jau5 sat1 jyun5 jing4有失遠迎有失远迎
Jyutpingjau5 sat1 jyun5 jing4
Yaleyáuh sāt yúhn yìhng
Definition
An expression used by a host to apologize to guests for not welcoming them sooner or further away.
neutralpeoplecommunication
How it's used
This phrase is a formal expression of humility used by a host to apologize for not meeting a guest at the door or entrance. It functions as a polite social lubricant when someone arrives unexpectedly or when the host was busy with other tasks. While it sounds quite traditional and slightly old fashioned, it remains a standard way to show respect to guests in business or formal social settings.
Examples
Mr. Cheung, thank you for coming, please forgive my lack of a proper welcome.
Sorry for not greeting you at the door, please come in and sit down.
Related words
Common phrases
really apologize for the lack of a proper welcome
Common mistake
Avoid using this phrase with close friends or family members, as it will sound overly stiff, sarcastic, or distant. It is strictly reserved for guests to whom you wish to show a high level of deference.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
