tou4 duk6荼毒
Jyutpingtou4 duk6
Yaletòuh duhk
Definition
To corrupt someone, especially by instilling harmful ideas or morals.
writtenpeopleother
How it's used
Carries a strong sense of moral condemnation, implying that the influence is not just negative but actively poisonous. It is frequently used in formal writing or serious discussions regarding social issues, media influence, or parenting. While it can be used in speech, it sounds quite severe and dramatic, often reserved for situations where someone is seen as causing long term damage to another person's character.
Examples
This kind of trash information is really corrupting the next generation.
Don't corrupt the kids anymore, you're teaching them all the wrong things.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a general word for influence, but it specifically implies a malicious or destructive effect on someone's moral compass. It is not used for neutral or minor bad habits.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
