min5 lai5免禮免礼
Jyutpingmin5 lai5
Yalemíhn láih
Definition
To dispense with formalities or standard etiquette.
colloquialpeoplecommunication
How it's used
Used primarily in a semi-humorous or slightly theatrical way to tell someone to stop being overly formal or deferential. It carries a sense of mock-grandeur, often used by friends or family to dismiss a gesture of respect like bowing or formal greetings. It is rarely used in serious, high-stakes social situations.
Examples
No need to be so polite, let's skip the formalities.
Skip the formalities when we meet, just sit down and eat.
Related words
Common phrases
Rise and skip the formalities (often used jokingly)
Common mistake
Do not use this in a professional or formal setting, as it can sound condescending or overly dramatic. It is strictly for casual, interpersonal interactions where you want to signal that you are close enough to drop social barriers.
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.
