tyut3 lei4 gwaan1 hai6脫離關係脱离关系
Jyutpingtyut3 lei4 gwaan1 hai6
Yaletyut lèih gwāan haih
Definition
To disown, break off all relations, or cut ties with someone.
colloquialpeoplefamily
How it's used
This phrase carries a very heavy, serious tone, often implying a permanent and public severance of personal or familial bonds. It is rarely used for casual friendships or minor disagreements, as it suggests a finality that is socially significant. In legal or formal contexts, it may refer to a formal disownment, but in daily speech, it describes a total breakdown of communication and support.
Examples
He has already cut ties with his family.
Do you really want to break off all relations with him?
Related words
Common phrases
formally cut ties
announce the breaking of ties
Common mistake
Learners often use this phrase too lightly for minor arguments or temporary silences. It should be reserved for situations where the relationship is intended to be permanently ended.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
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Grammar guides
- 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.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
