mok6 seoi1 jau5莫須有莫须有
Jyutpingmok6 seoi1 jau5
Yalemohk sēui yáuh
Definition
A groundless, fabricated charge or a false accusation.
writtenother
How it's used
Originating from the historical framing of the general Yue Fei, this term carries a heavy connotation of political persecution or malicious fabrication. It is used to describe situations where someone is punished or blamed without any factual basis, often implying a deliberate attempt to destroy their reputation. Unlike simple lies, it suggests a formal but unjust accusation.
Examples
They arrested that person on trumped-up charges.
This case is completely baseless, there is absolutely no evidence.
Related words
Common phrases
trumped-up charge
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a general term for lying, but it specifically refers to the act of fabricating a crime or formal charge against someone. It is not used for everyday white lies or minor misunderstandings.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
