leoi6累
Jyutpingleoi6
Yaleleuih
Definition
Tired; exhausted; having very little energy or physical strength left.
colloquialhealthdescriptions
How it's used
While 累 is widely understood, native speakers in Hong Kong almost exclusively use 攰 to describe physical exhaustion. Using 累 can sound slightly more formal or influenced by written Chinese. Reserve 累 for more abstract contexts or when emphasizing a state of being worn out by circumstances rather than just physical activity.
Examples
Are you very tired? Why don't you take a break?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often use 累 when they mean physically tired, but 攰 is the standard colloquial choice for this feeling. Confusing the two is not a grammatical error, but it will make your speech sound less natural.
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.
