kwai1 joek6虧弱亏弱
Jyutpingkwai1 joek6
Yalekwāi yeuhk
Definition
Weak, debilitated, or frail.
neutralhealthdescriptions
How it's used
Describes a state of being physically frail or lacking vitality, often implying a long-term condition rather than a temporary fatigue. It is frequently used in the context of health recovery or constitutional weakness. The term carries a slightly formal tone compared to everyday words like 弱 or 冇力.
Examples
His body is very weak after his illness.
How can you do heavy work when you are so frail?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 虧損, which refers to financial loss or deficit, whereas 虧弱 is strictly reserved for physical or structural weakness.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
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.
