pui4賠赔
Jyutpingpui4
Yalepùih
Definition
To compensate; to pay for or make up for a loss.
colloquialmoney
How it's used
Beyond the literal sense of financial compensation, this word frequently appears in the phrase 賠錢, which often implies a situation where someone is forced to pay out of pocket for damages or losses. It carries a sense of accountability and is distinct from simply buying something new. When used in a business context, it can describe a venture that is losing money rather than making a profit.
Examples
You broke someone's phone, how are you going to compensate them?
This business deal lost so much money, it's really a painful loss.
Related words
Common phrases
to pay compensation
to apologize by making amends
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 陪, which means to accompany or keep someone company. While they sound identical in many contexts, the former involves money or loss, whereas the latter is purely social.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
