to4 leoi6陀累
Jyutpingto4 leoi6
Yaletòh leuih
Definition
To involve or drag someone into a difficult situation that is not their concern.
colloquialpeopledaily actions
How it's used
This term carries a strong sense of being an unwanted burden or an anchor that prevents others from moving forward. It is frequently used when someone's incompetence or poor decision-making forces others to pay the price or clean up the aftermath. Unlike general words for causing trouble, this specifically implies a parasitic or dragging effect on someone else's life or progress.
Examples
He couldn't handle it himself and ended up dragging me into it too.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 拖累, which is the standard written form. While 陀累 is common in spoken Cantonese, you should use 拖累 in formal writing or professional contexts to avoid appearing overly casual or using non-standard characters.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
