lei4離离
Jyutpinglei4
Yalelèih
Definition
To be at a distance away from; used to indicate distance or time between two points.
neutralplacestime
How it's used
Use this preposition primarily when describing physical distance or time intervals between two points. It functions similarly to the English from but requires the two locations or times to be explicitly stated on either side. It is most natural when paired with adjectives like 近 or 遠 to qualify the extent of the separation.
Examples
This shop is very close to the MTR station.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to express movement away from a location, as it does not function as a directional verb in Cantonese. For actions like walking away, use 離開 instead.
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.
