min5 lai6勉勵勉励

Jyutpingmin5 lai6

Yalemíhn laih

動詞Uncommon

Definition

To encourage or urge, especially of an elder encouraging a younger person.

neutralpeoplework

How it's used

This term carries a formal or authoritative weight, typically used when someone in a superior or senior position offers guidance to a junior. It implies a sense of moral support or urging someone toward self-improvement rather than just simple cheering. You will often hear it in academic or professional settings where a mentor provides wisdom to a student or subordinate.

Examples

aa3阿maa5媽seng4成jat6日min5勉lai6勵ngo5我duk6讀do1多di1啲syu1書。

My mom always encourages me to read more books.

nei5你sai2使m4唔sai2使wan2搵jan4人min5勉lai6勵haa5下nei5你aa4呀？

Do you need someone to encourage you?

Common phrases

wu6互soeng1相min5勉lai6勵

to encourage each other

min5勉lai6勵jat1一faan1番

to offer some words of encouragement

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with 鼓勵, which is a much more general term for encouragement used between peers or in casual settings. Using 勉勵 among close friends can sound overly stiff or like you are lecturing them.