tai2 hei2睇起
Jyutpingtai2 hei2
Yaletái héi
Definition
To have a high opinion of someone; to believe that someone is competent and capable.
colloquialpeoplework
How it's used
This phrase specifically highlights respect for someone's competence or potential rather than just general admiration. It is often used to explain why someone was given a promotion or a difficult task. It implies a sense of professional or personal validation that the person has earned through their actions.
Examples
He became a manager at such a young age, I really respect his ability.
Do you think the boss usually thinks highly of you?
Related words
Common phrases
to think very highly of
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 睇唔起, which means to look down on someone. While 睇起 implies respect for ability, 睇唔起 is a common insult used to describe someone who acts superior to others.
Grammar color guide
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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.
- 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.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.



