kwai3 gau3愧疚
Jyutpingkwai3 gau3
Yalekwai gau
Definition
Ashamed and guilty; remorseful.
neutralemotion
How it's used
Expresses a deep sense of moral regret or internal conflict over past actions. Unlike the more casual 唔好意思 which is used for minor social blunders, this term is reserved for serious situations involving personal integrity or harm caused to others. It is frequently used in formal writing or serious conversations rather than lighthearted daily chatter.
Examples
Thinking back on that incident, I really feel so ashamed and uneasy.
Do you feel any shame or guilt when you face them?
Related words
Common phrases
feel deeply ashamed and uneasy
extremely ashamed and uneasy
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe simple embarrassment or social awkwardness, as it carries a heavy weight of moral responsibility and remorse that is much stronger than feeling shy or awkward.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
