waan5 wui4挽回
Jyutpingwaan5 wui4
Yalewáahn wùih
Definition
To reverse an unfavorable situation; to salvage, retrieve, or win back.
neutraldaily actionsemotion
How it's used
Focuses on the effort to restore something that is slipping away, such as a relationship, a reputation, or a failing project. It carries a sense of gravity and urgency, often implying that the situation is already quite dire. Unlike simply fixing a mistake, this word suggests a struggle against time or circumstance.
Examples
He really wants to save this relationship.
Things have reached this point, what is there left to salvage?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 挽留, which is specifically used for asking someone to stay, such as an employee resigning or a guest leaving. Use 挽回 for abstract situations or outcomes, and 挽留 for people.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
