loek6 wai4略為略为
Jyutpingloek6 wai4
Yaleleuhk wàih
Definition
Slightly; a little bit.
neutraldescriptions
How it's used
Functions as a formal or written adverb that is often replaced by 稍微 or 稍為 in more casual speech. It implies a degree of restraint or a minor adjustment rather than a significant change. When used in spoken Cantonese, it adds a polite or cautious tone to a request or observation.
Examples
This soup is a little bit bland, add some salt.
Could you briefly explain the matter a little bit?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 稍微, which is the standard Mandarin term. While they are interchangeable in meaning, 略為 is slightly more formal and less common in everyday rapid-fire conversation than just using 啲 or 少少.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
