je4揶
Jyutpingje4
Yaleyèh
Definition
To tease, mock, or make fun of someone.
colloquialpeoplecommunication
How it's used
Often used in the two-character form 揶揄, this verb carries a slightly more sophisticated or literary nuance compared to the very common 窒. While 窒 implies a blunt or sudden jab, 揶揄 suggests a more sustained or indirect way of mocking someone through sarcastic remarks. It is frequently employed when describing someone who enjoys belittling others to show off their own perceived superiority.
Examples
He loves to tease others, it's so annoying.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 揶揄 as a formal written term in Mandarin; in Cantonese, it is perfectly acceptable in spoken conversation, though it sounds slightly more educated than using 窒 or 玩.
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.
