siu1 zoi1消災消灾
Jyutpingsiu1 zoi1
Yalesīu jōi
Definition
To avoid impending ill fortune or prevent bad things from happening.
neutralother
How it's used
Often used in religious or superstitious contexts, this term implies performing rituals or seeking spiritual intervention to ward off bad luck. It carries a formal or traditional weight and is rarely used to describe solving mundane everyday problems. People frequently pair it with religious activities like visiting temples or burning incense.
Examples
He went to the temple to draw lots to avert misfortune.
Is there any way you can help me avoid this bad luck?
Common phrases
to avert disaster and resolve difficulties
to pray for blessings and ward off misfortune
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a general term for solving problems, but it specifically refers to averting supernatural or karmic misfortune rather than practical issues like fixing a broken computer.
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.
