jim2 hau2 fai3掩口費掩口费
Jyutpingjim2 hau2 fai3
Yaleyím háu fai
Definition
Hush money; a bribe paid to someone to keep a secret or remain silent.
colloquialmoney
How it's used
This term carries a strong negative connotation and is almost exclusively used in contexts involving corruption, scandals, or criminal cover-ups. It is not a formal legal term but rather a descriptive label used in news reports or gossip to characterize illicit payments. The imagery of covering someone's mouth effectively conveys the coercive or transactional nature of the silence being purchased.
Measure word
bat1筆bātExamples
He paid a large sum of hush money to tell people not to leak the story.
Do you think you can get away with it just by paying hush money?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with legitimate payments like a settlement or compensation, as using this term implies illegal or unethical behavior. It is strictly for bribes intended to suppress information.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
