lei5理
Jyutpinglei5
Yaleléih
Definition
Relating to reason, logic, truth, or cause.
neutraldescriptionscommunication
How it's used
Functions primarily as a bound morpheme in Cantonese rather than a standalone noun. It appears most frequently in compound words related to logic, order, or justification. When expressing the concept of reason or logic in daily speech, speakers almost always use the full word 道理 instead of just the single character.
Examples
Your argument makes absolutely no sense.
They are very organized in how they work.
Related words
Common phrases
to make trouble unreasonably
fair and reasonable
Common mistake
Avoid using it as a standalone word for reason or logic in a sentence, as it will sound incomplete or overly formal. Always pair it with other characters to form a complete concept like 道理 or 條理.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.



