oi1 kau4哀求

Jyutpingoi1 kau4

Yaleōi kàuh

動詞Common

Definition

To beg or plead for mercy; to make an earnest, tearful request.

neutralemotionpeople

How it's used

This term is formal and carries a sense of desperation or extreme humility that is rarely used in casual, everyday requests. While it describes the act of begging, it is often reserved for serious situations involving power imbalances or life changing consequences. In lighthearted contexts, speakers prefer using 囈 or 喊晒口嚟求人 to convey the same feeling of pleading.

Examples

keoi5佢gwai6跪hai2喺dou6度oi1哀kau4求ngo5我jyun4原loeng6諒keoi5佢。

He knelt there begging me to forgive him.

nei5你sai2使mat1乜oi1哀kau4求keoi5佢bong1幫nei5你aa4呀？

Why do you need to beg him to help you?

Common phrases

fu2苦fu2苦oi1哀kau4求

to plead earnestly

gwai6跪dei6地oi1哀kau4求

to kneel and beg

Common mistake

Learners often use this word for simple requests like asking a friend for a favor, which sounds overly dramatic and unnatural. Use 請求 or 拜託 for standard requests, as 哀求 implies a level of misery or helplessness that is inappropriate for minor social interactions.