min5勉

Jyutpingmin5

Yalemíhn

Definition

To exhort, urge, strive, or endeavour.

writtenother

How it's used

Usage of this character in spoken Cantonese is quite limited and almost exclusively restricted to formal or written-style compounds like 勉勵 or 勉力. It carries a sense of moral or intellectual encouragement rather than simple physical pushing. You will rarely hear it as a standalone verb in casual conversation, where people prefer using 鼓勵 or 努力 instead.

Examples

nei5你jat1一ding6定jiu3要min5勉lai6勵zi6自gei2己，m4唔hou2好gam3咁faai3快fong3放hei3棄。

You must encourage yourself and not give up so quickly.

keoi5佢seng4成jat6日dou1都heoi3去zou6做hou2好mui5每jat1一gin2件si6事。

He always strives to do every task well.

Common phrases

min5勉lai6勵

to encourage

to make an effort

Common mistake

Learners often mistake it for 免, which means to avoid or exempt. While they share a similar shape, their meanings are entirely different, so ensure you do not confuse the two when writing.