pou5 hip3抱歉
Jyutpingpou5 hip3
Yalepóuh hip
Definition
To feel sorry, apologetic, or regretful.
neutralemotioncommunication
How it's used
Expresses a formal or sincere sense of regret that carries more weight than the casual sorry. It is often used in professional settings, public announcements, or when someone has caused a significant inconvenience. While it functions as an adjective, it is rarely used in casual, everyday banter between close friends.
Examples
I am really sorry for arriving late.
He feels very sorry about this matter and wants to make amends.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this in casual social situations where 對唔住 is far more natural. Using 抱歉 with friends can sound overly stiff, distant, or even sarcastic depending on the tone.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
