wai2諉诿
Jyutpingwai2
Yalewái
Definition
To shirk, pass the buck, or shift blame onto others.
writtenpeopleother
How it's used
This term is primarily used in formal or written contexts rather than casual speech. It carries a strong negative connotation of avoiding accountability or blaming others for one's own failures. In everyday conversation, people usually prefer using phrases like 卸膊 or 推卸責任 instead.
Examples
He is always shifting his responsibilities onto others.
Related words
Common phrases
to shift blame onto others
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use this as a direct verb for 'blaming' someone, but it specifically implies the act of offloading a burden or fault. It is rarely used as a standalone verb in spoken Cantonese.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
