jyu4 lik6餘力余力
Jyutpingjyu4 lik6
Yaleyùh lihk
Definition
Extra energy or strength to do something.
colloquialdaily actionswork
How it's used
Focuses specifically on the remaining capacity or mental bandwidth one has after expending effort on primary tasks. It is frequently used in negative constructions to express exhaustion or a lack of resources to take on additional commitments. While it sounds slightly more formal than just saying 冇力, it is perfectly acceptable in everyday conversation.
Examples
I have no energy left to go out and play after finishing work.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe physical strength or muscle power, as that would be 體力. It is reserved for the surplus capacity to perform an additional action or task.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
