so1 sai2唆使
Jyutpingso1 sai2
Yalesō sái
Definition
To incite, instigate, or abet someone to do something bad.
writtenpeopleother
How it's used
Carries a strong negative connotation, implying that the person being incited is being manipulated into doing something wrong or illegal. It is almost exclusively used in formal contexts, such as news reports, legal discussions, or serious accusations, rather than casual conversation. In everyday speech, people are more likely to use descriptive phrases like 叫人做壞事 or 煽動.
Examples
He is always inciting the kids to steal things.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often use this word in casual situations where it sounds overly dramatic or stiff. It is not a word you would use to describe a friend encouraging you to try a new hobby or go out for dinner.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
