lau4 bai6流弊
Jyutpinglau4 bai6
Yalelàuh baih
Definition
A long-standing defect, abuse of power, or violation.
writtenworkother
How it's used
Refers specifically to systemic issues or bad habits that have become entrenched over time, often implying a need for reform. It carries a formal and slightly academic tone, making it more common in written reports, news commentary, or serious discussions about organizational change rather than casual conversation. Using it in everyday speech can make you sound like you are delivering a formal lecture.
Examples
This system has many deep-seated defects and must be changed.
How exactly can you eradicate these long-standing abuses?
Related words
Common phrases
to eradicate long-standing abuses
to correct systemic defects
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 弊病, but while 弊病 can refer to any minor problem or disadvantage, 流弊 emphasizes the historical or cumulative nature of the corruption or defect.
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.
