kwai1 hyun3規勸规劝
Jyutpingkwai1 hyun3
Yalekwāi hyun
Definition
To exhort, advise, or admonish; to persuade someone using friendly and sincere words.
writtenpeoplecommunication
How it's used
This term carries a formal and serious tone, often implying that the advice is given out of genuine concern for someone's well-being or to steer them away from a mistake. It is significantly more weightier than standard words like 勸 or 講, suggesting a deeper level of sincerity or a more structured attempt at persuasion. You will mostly encounter this in written reports, news, or serious discussions rather than casual small talk.
Examples
He is kindly advising you, don't be so stubborn.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a casual suggestion, but it implies a moral or corrective element. Using it to describe simple advice, such as telling a friend what to eat for lunch, sounds overly dramatic and unnatural.
Grammar color guide
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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.
