joeng1 kap6殃及
Jyutpingjoeng1 kap6
Yaleyēung kahp
Definition
To cause collateral damage to someone innocent; to involve an unrelated party in trouble.
writtenpeopleother
How it's used
This term is almost exclusively used in formal or literary contexts, despite being understood in daily speech. It carries a sense of unfairness or helplessness, implying that the affected party had no role in the original conflict. It is most frequently encountered in the set phrase 殃及池魚, which serves as a common idiom to describe collateral damage.
Examples
They can argue if they want, but don't drag innocent people into it.
The company went bankrupt, and it ended up affecting the shops next door too.
Related words
Common phrases
to involve the innocent in a disaster
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a general word for 'affecting' someone, but it specifically implies a negative, often accidental, consequence for an innocent third party. Avoid using it for neutral or positive impacts.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
