no6 joek6懦弱
Jyutpingno6 joek6
Yalenoh yeuhk
Definition
Cowardly, weak-willed, and afraid of facing problems.
neutraldescriptionspeople
How it's used
This term carries a formal and slightly literary weight, often used in serious discussions about character or moral strength. In casual, everyday speech, Hong Kongers are much more likely to use colloquial expressions like 冇膽 or 驚青 to describe someone who is cowardly or timid. Using this word in a very informal setting can make you sound like you are reading from a book or giving a formal critique.
Examples
He has a cowardly personality and is afraid to try anything.
Don't be so weak-willed; you need to be braver.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a general term for being physically weak, but it specifically refers to a lack of courage or mental fortitude. Do not use it to describe someone who is physically frail or sick, as that would be confusing.
Grammar color guide
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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.
