wai4 ji3為意为意
Jyutpingwai4 ji3
Yalewàih yi
Definition
To notice, pay attention to, or care about
colloquialdaily actionsemotion
How it's used
Often used in the negative form 冇為意 to describe an unintentional oversight or failing to notice something. When used in the sense of taking something to heart, it implies a sense of not letting a minor slight or casual comment affect your mood. It carries a slightly more personal or emotional nuance than simply using 留意.
Examples
He speaks very casually, don't take it to heart.
I was too busy earlier and didn't notice you were here at all.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 留意, which is more about paying attention or keeping an eye on something. 為意 is more about whether something has registered in your mind or whether you choose to be bothered by it.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
Particle
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Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
