wai4 bui3違背违背
Jyutpingwai4 bui3
Yalewàih bui
Definition
To violate, go against, or renege on a promise, agreement, or principle.
writtenother
How it's used
Carries a formal and serious tone, often used in contexts involving moral integrity, oaths, or legal agreements. While it translates to 'violate' or 'renege', it specifically implies a betrayal of trust or a departure from one's stated principles. It is rarely used in casual, everyday small talk unless discussing serious personal or ethical conflicts.
Examples
He actually went back on his original promise.
Are you trying to go against your conscience by doing that?
Related words
Common phrases
to break a promise
to go against one's conscience
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a common verb like 唔聽話, but 違背 is much heavier and implies a breach of a formal commitment or moral duty rather than simple disobedience.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
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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.
