m4 sai2唔使
Jyutpingm4 sai2
Yalem̀h sái
Definition
No need to; to not have to.
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
Functions as the standard way to express negation of necessity in Cantonese. While the negative form is 唔使, the affirmative counterpart is always 要, never 使. It is extremely versatile and can be used to decline offers, express lack of obligation, or reassure someone that an action is unnecessary.
Examples
I don't have to go to work tomorrow, so I can sleep in a bit.
You don't need to queue here, just go straight in.
Related words
Common phrases
You are welcome
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use 使 in affirmative sentences to mean need, but this is grammatically incorrect in Cantonese. Always use 要 for affirmative necessity and 唔使 for negative necessity.
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.
