wai4 hei3遺棄遗弃
Jyutpingwai4 hei3
Yalewàih hei
Definition
To abandon, desert, or leave behind pets, family, or friends.
neutralpeopleanimals
How it's used
Carries a heavy, formal tone that implies a moral failing or a cruel act. While it can be used for objects, it is most frequently applied to living beings like pets or children to emphasize the heartlessness of the act. It is significantly more serious than the casual 掉, which is used for throwing away trash or unwanted items.
Examples
The dog was abandoned on the street, it's so pitiful.
How could you have the heart to abandon your own family?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this for inanimate objects like old clothes or broken furniture, as it sounds overly dramatic and unnatural. Use 掉 or 掉咗佢 instead for items you want to discard.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
