lei4 bit6離別离别
Jyutpinglei4 bit6
Yalelèih biht
Definition
To part or leave, typically with little chance of meeting again.
writtenemotionpeople
How it's used
Focuses on the emotional weight of a long term or permanent separation rather than just walking out of a room. It is primarily used in formal or literary contexts, such as in songs, poetry, or serious conversation, rather than describing daily departures like leaving for work.
Examples
They have been separated for a long time and can finally meet again.
I feel very sad when I think about parting with my family.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this for casual departures like leaving a party or going to the office, as it implies a much deeper, often sorrowful, sense of parting.
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.
