jau5 wai4有為有为
Jyutpingjau5 wai4
Yaleyáuh wàih
Definition
Promising, accomplished, or having a successful future.
neutralpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Focuses on the potential for future success or significant contributions, often used to praise young people. It carries a slightly formal or literary tone despite being used in spoken Cantonese, so it is most commonly heard in descriptions of career prospects or marriage eligibility. It implies a sense of ambition and capability that goes beyond just being smart or hardworking.
Examples
He is truly promising for such a young man.
Do you think this young man is promising?
Related words
Common phrases
young and promising
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe someone who is simply talented or skilled in a specific task, as it specifically refers to long term potential and life achievements. It is not a casual compliment for everyday performance.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
