joek6 doi6虐待
Jyutpingjoek6 doi6
Yaleyeuhk doih
Definition
To abuse or mistreat a person or animal cruelly and inhumanely.
neutralpeopleanimals
How it's used
This word carries a heavy, serious tone and is typically reserved for severe cases of physical or psychological harm. It is frequently used in news reports or legal contexts regarding domestic violence or animal welfare. Unlike milder terms for bullying or mistreatment, it implies a systematic or cruel pattern of behavior.
Examples
He abuses that cat all the time, it's really inhumane.
How could you abuse a child?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 欺負, which is a much broader term for bullying, teasing, or picking on someone. 虐待 is far more extreme and implies genuine cruelty rather than just social harassment.
Grammar color guide
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Verb
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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.
