to1 leoi4佗累

Jyutpingto1 leoi4

Yaletō lèuih

Definition

To be a burden to someone, or to involve others in trouble.

colloquialpeopleemotion

How it's used

This term is specifically used to describe the feeling of being an emotional or financial weight on someone else. It carries a strong sense of guilt or social responsibility, often appearing in contexts where someone is trying to avoid inconveniencing their loved ones. It is distinct from simply being a nuisance, as it implies a more significant, long-term dependency.

Examples

ngo5我m4唔soeng2想to1佗leoi4累uk1屋kei2企jan4人。

I do not want to be a burden to my family.

nei5你sai2使m4唔sai2使ngo5我bong1幫sau2手？m4唔hou2好to1佗leoi4累nei5你aa4呀。

Do you need my help? I do not want to be a burden to you.

Common phrases

m4唔soeng2想to1佗leoi4累jan4人

do not want to be a burden to others

Common mistake

Learners often confuse this with 拖累, which is a more general term for dragging someone down or causing them to suffer negative consequences. 佗累 is more focused on the state of being a burden, whereas 拖累 often implies an active, external cause for someone else's misfortune.