pei2 lei4仳離仳离
Jyutpingpei2 lei4
Yalepéi lèih
Definition
To separate, break up, or divorce.
writtenfamilypeople
How it's used
This term is formal and literary, often appearing in news reports or legal contexts rather than in casual conversation. Most people would use 離婚 in daily life to describe a divorce. Using this word in a casual setting sounds overly dramatic or stiff.
Examples
They divorced not long after they got married.
I heard their relationship is having problems, are they planning to divorce?
Related words
Common phrases
announce a divorce
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a common verb, but it is rarely used in spoken Cantonese. Using it in a casual chat about friends will make you sound like you are reading from a newspaper.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
