paau1 lei4拋離抛离
Jyutpingpaau1 lei4
Yalepāau lèih
Definition
To leave someone or something far behind; to widen the distance between.
colloquialdaily actionsdescriptions
How it's used
Focuses on the significant gap created between two parties, often implying a competitive context like sports or academic performance. It emphasizes the active process of widening the distance rather than just being behind. Use it when someone or something has clearly surged ahead of the rest of the pack.
Examples
He ran very fast and left the opponents behind.
If you don't work harder, you will be left behind by others.
Related words
Common phrases
to leave opponents behind
to leave far behind by a large margin
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 遲到, which refers to being late for an appointment. 拋離 implies a relative position in a race or progress, not a failure to arrive on time.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
