mai5 keoi1咪拘
Jyutpingmai5 keoi1
Yalemáih kēui
Definition
No, thanks; used to refuse an offer or suggest one shouldn't bother.
colloquialcommunicationpeople
How it's used
This expression is a contraction of 唔好拘謹, used specifically to tell someone not to stand on ceremony or be overly formal. It is most common when someone offers help or a gift that you want to decline politely because you do not want to trouble them. It carries a warm, informal tone that signals a close relationship between the speaker and the listener.
Examples
You can carry it for me, no need to be so polite.
Don't bother, we can handle it ourselves.
Related words
Common phrases
don't be so formal
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 咪搞, which means "don't mess with" or "stop doing that." While both start with 咪, 咪拘 is about social etiquette and politeness, whereas 咪搞 is a direct command to stop an action.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
