lei5履
Jyutpinglei5
Yaleléih
Definition
Shoes; footwear.
writtenclothing
How it's used
Using 履 as a standalone word for shoes is extremely rare in modern spoken Cantonese, as it is almost exclusively restricted to formal, written, or literary contexts. In everyday conversation, people always use 鞋 instead. You will mostly encounter 履 in compound words like 衣履 or in formal notices regarding dress codes.
Measure word
deoi3對deuiExamples
He wore a new pair of shoes to work today.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often try to use 履 in casual conversation because they see it in dictionaries, but it sounds overly formal or archaic to native speakers. Stick to 鞋 for all daily situations to avoid sounding unnatural.
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.
