me1 zaai3孭債孭债
Jyutpingme1 zaai3
Yalemē jaai
Definition
To be burdened with debt; to carry a debt.
colloquialmoney
How it's used
The character 孭 literally refers to carrying something on one's back, like a backpack or a child. Using it with 債 creates a vivid image of debt as a heavy, physical burden that you are forced to carry around. It is much more expressive and common in casual speech than the formal term 負債.
Examples
His business failed, and he is now heavily in debt.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse 孭 with 買, which sounds similar but means to buy. Using the wrong one could lead to the confusing statement that you are buying debt instead of carrying it.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
