kwai1 ding6規定规定
Jyutpingkwai1 ding6
Yalekwāi dihng
Definition
Rules, regulations, terms, or prescribed procedures that must be followed during an activity.
neutralworkother
How it's used
Refers specifically to formal or institutional requirements rather than personal habits or general social norms. It carries a sense of authority, often implying that there will be consequences if the guidelines are not followed. In casual speech, people might prefer using 規矩 for general social expectations or household habits instead.
Measure word
tiu4條tìuhExamples
The company has a rule that you cannot be late.
Related words
Common phrases
to violate the rules
to comply with the regulations
Common mistake
Learners often use this for personal habits or social etiquette, but it sounds too bureaucratic for those contexts. Use 規矩 when talking about informal or traditional social expectations.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
