kei4祈

Jyutpingkei4

Yalekèih

語素Rare

Definition

To pray to a deity, or to make a request or wish.

to pray to a deity
to request, wish, or implore

writtenother

How it's used

Functions almost exclusively as a bound morpheme in formal or religious compounds rather than as a standalone verb in daily speech. It carries a solemn, reverent tone associated with spiritual or formal requests. When expressing the act of praying in a casual, everyday context, speakers prefer using 禱告 or 祈禱 as a single unit.

Examples

keoi5佢喺hai2教gaau3堂tong2入jap6面min6祈kei4禱。

He is praying inside the church.

nei5你hai6係mai6咪soeng2想kei4祈kau4求ping4平on1安？

Are you looking to pray for peace?

Common phrases

kei4祈tou2禱

to pray

kei4祈kau4求

to pray for

Common mistake

Do not use this word as a standalone verb to mean 'to ask' or 'to beg' in casual situations, as it sounds overly formal or archaic. Use 請求 or 叫 instead for everyday requests.