mat6 gwai1 jyun4 zyu2物歸原主物归原主

Jyutpingmat6 gwai1 jyun4 zyu2

Yalemaht gwāi yùhn jyú

語句

Definition

To return an object or property to its original owner.

writtenother

How it's used

This is a formal idiom that functions as a verb phrase, often used in slightly more serious or written contexts despite its clear meaning. While it describes the act of returning lost property, it carries a sense of moral obligation or official resolution. In casual daily speech, people are more likely to use simpler phrases like 還返俾人.

Examples

ni1呢go3個ngan4銀baau1包zap1執dou2到laa3喇，mat6物gwai1歸jyun4原zyu2主laa1啦。

I found this wallet, let's return it to the owner.

nei5你gei2幾si4時sin1先hang2肯zoeng1將di1啲je5嘢mat6物gwai1歸jyun4原zyu2主aa4呀？

When will you finally return those things to their owner?

Related words

synonymgaau1 waan4交還gāu wành

Common phrases

jyun4完bik1璧gwai1歸ziu6趙

to return something intact to its owner

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a simple verb, but it is a four-character idiom that acts as a complete predicate. Avoid using it as a casual replacement for everyday returning of items, as it can sound overly dramatic or stiff in a relaxed setting.