sai2使
Jyutpingsai2
Yalesái
Definition
To order someone to do things for oneself, or to manipulate and exploit others.
colloquialpeopledaily actions
How it's used
Carries a strong nuance of treating others as servants or tools for personal convenience. It is often used to criticize someone who is lazy or entitled, implying they are delegating their own responsibilities to others. Unlike the neutral word 叫, which simply means to ask or tell someone to do something, this term highlights the exploitative nature of the request.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the common auxiliary verb 唔使, which means 'need not' or 'don't have to'. In the context of ordering people, it is a transitive verb that requires an object, whereas in the negative sense, it functions as a modal verb.
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.
