mou4 ji5 wai4 bou3無以為報无以为报

Jyutpingmou4 ji5 wai4 bou3

Yalemòuh yíh wàih bou

Definition

To feel extremely grateful and unable to fully repay someone's kindness

writtenemotionpeople

How it's used

Carries a heavy, formal, and deeply sincere tone that is rarely used in casual banter. It is typically reserved for expressing profound gratitude for life changing favors or immense kindness. Because of its literary roots, it sounds slightly dramatic when used in everyday situations.

Examples

nei5你bong1幫zo2咗ngo5我gam3咁do1多，zan1真hai6係mou4無ji5以wai4為bou5報。

You have helped me so much, I really have no way to repay you.

keoi5佢gau3救zo2咗ngo5我jat1一meng6命，ngo5我dim2點joeng2樣sin1先ho2可ji5以mou4無ji5以wai4為bou5報aa4呀？

He saved my life, how could I ever possibly repay him?

Common phrases

mou4無ji5以wai4為bou5報ge3嘅jan1恩cing4情

a kindness that cannot be repaid

Common mistake

Avoid using this for minor favors like buying someone a coffee or holding a door. It is meant for significant life events or major sacrifices, and using it too lightly can sound sarcastic or overly performative.