m4 lei5唔理
Jyutpingm4 lei5
Yalem̀h léih
Definition
To ignore, pay no attention to, or show no interest in.
colloquialdaily actionspeople
How it's used
Expresses a deliberate choice to disregard someone or something, often carrying a sense of coldness or annoyance. It functions as a versatile verb that can imply either active avoidance or passive neglect depending on the context. When used with a person as the object, it can sound quite harsh or dismissive.
Examples
He ignores me all the time, as if I were invisible.
Common phrases
regardless of the consequences
Common mistake
Avoid using it to mean 'I don't care' in a neutral sense, as it often implies a social snub or a refusal to engage. For expressing indifference, phrases like 冇所謂 or 唔關我事 are usually more appropriate.
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.
