sau1 lei5修理
Jyutpingsau1 lei5
Yalesāu léih
Definition
To repair or fix damaged or broken things so they function normally.
neutraldaily actionswork
How it's used
While 修理 is understood in Cantonese, it sounds formal or technical, often appearing in written notices or professional contexts. In daily spoken Cantonese, people almost exclusively use 整 or 整好 to describe the act of fixing something. Using 修理 in casual conversation can make you sound like you are reading from a manual or a news report.
Examples
The air conditioner is broken, I need to find someone to fix it.
Has your computer been repaired yet?
Related words
Common mistake
Beginners often overuse 修理 in casual settings where 整 is much more natural. Remember that 整 is the go-to verb for fixing, repairing, or even preparing food and making things in general.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
