keoi5 zyut6拒絕拒绝
Jyutpingkeoi5 zyut6
Yalekéuih jyuht
Definition
To refuse, reject, or explicitly decline.
neutraldaily actionscommunication
How it's used
Expressing a firm 'no' in Cantonese often involves using 拒絕 when the refusal is formal or explicit. While it is standard in both speech and writing, in very casual settings, people might prefer more direct phrases like 唔制 or 唔要 to convey the same sentiment. It carries a slightly more serious or definitive weight than simply saying no.
Examples
He directly refused my invitation.
Why did you have to reject his kindness?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners sometimes use 拒絕 when they simply mean 'to decline' a small offer like food or a drink, where it can sound overly formal or harsh. For everyday social offers, it is more natural to use 唔使喇 or 唔好意思，唔要喇.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
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Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
