wo5禍祸
Jyutpingwo5
Yalewóh
Definition
Misfortune, disaster, or a calamity that causes suffering and injury.
neutralother
How it's used
Often functions as a morpheme in compound words rather than a standalone noun in daily speech. It carries a heavy, serious tone, typically reserved for significant negative events or consequences. When used as a verb, it implies causing trouble or bringing about a calamity.
Examples
This time we are really in big trouble.
Why did you bring this disaster upon yourself?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse it with 麻煩, which refers to general annoyance or minor inconvenience. 禍 implies a much more severe, often life-altering or catastrophic event.
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.
