nou4 jik6奴役
Jyutpingnou4 jik6
Yalenòuh yihk
Definition
To enslave; to force someone to work as a slave or perform hard labor against their will.
neutralpeoplework
How it's used
Used primarily in formal contexts, historical discussions, or metaphorical complaints about being overworked. While it carries a heavy weight regarding human rights, it is also frequently used in casual speech to hyperbolically describe a boss or partner who makes someone do too many chores.
Examples
They should not enslave anyone.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe simple employment or chores unless you intend to sound dramatic or sarcastic about the intensity of the work.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
