lai6勵励
Jyutpinglai6
Yalelaih
Definition
To encourage; to motivate someone to do well.
neutraldaily actions
How it's used
This character is almost exclusively found in compound words rather than as a standalone verb in spoken Cantonese. While it carries the meaning of striving or encouraging, native speakers will naturally use 鼓勵 for encouragement or 努力 for the act of working hard. It functions as a formal morpheme that adds a sense of positive reinforcement or diligent effort to the words it joins.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often try to use this as a standalone verb like "encourage," but it sounds unnatural or overly literary in daily speech. Always pair it with other characters to form common words like 鼓勵 or 勵志.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
