wai4維维
Jyutpingwai4
Yalewàih
Definition
To maintain, keep, or preserve a state.
writtenother
How it's used
Functions primarily as a bound morpheme in compound words rather than as a standalone verb in spoken Cantonese. It carries a formal or literary tone, often appearing in contexts related to systems, relationships, or abstract concepts. When speakers want to express the idea of maintaining something physical or concrete, they typically choose other verbs like 保持 or 照顧.
Examples
It is very hard to keep this shop running.
How do you defend your rights?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use it as a standalone verb like keep, but it must be paired with another character to form a complete word, such as 維持 or 維修.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
