sau6 zi1 jau5 kwai5受之有愧
Jyutpingsau6 zi1 jau5 kwai5
Yalesauh jī yáuh kwáih
Definition
To feel unworthy of receiving an honor, gift, or compliment.
writtenemotionpeople
How it's used
This is a formal idiom used to express modesty when receiving praise, gifts, or awards. It functions as a polite way to deflect credit or acknowledge that the gesture exceeds one's own merit. Because it is a four-character idiom, it carries a literary weight that contrasts with the casual, spoken nature of everyday Cantonese.
Examples
You gave me such an expensive gift, I really feel unworthy of it.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often use this in casual settings where a simple thank you or a humbler phrase like 唔敢當 would be more natural. It is best reserved for formal situations or when someone offers a significant favor or compliment.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Grammar guides
- 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.
- How oftenUsually, sometimes, all the time, rarely, never. All five sit in one slot, between the subject and the verb.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
