lau4 kap1留級留级
Jyutpinglau4 kap1
Yalelàuh kāp
Definition
To repeat a school year or grade.
colloquialschool
How it's used
While 留級 is standard and widely understood, local students and parents frequently use the more colloquial term 冧班 to describe the same situation. Using 冧班 adds a slightly more informal and emotive tone, as it implies the student has failed to meet the requirements and has effectively fallen behind their cohort.
Examples
He was not focused enough on his studies and ended up repeating the grade.
Are you worried about repeating the grade this year?
Related words
Common phrases
facing the prospect of repeating a grade
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with the act of staying back after school for detention, but 留級 specifically refers to repeating an entire academic year due to poor performance.
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.
