ze3 hoi1借開借开
Jyutpingze3 hoi1
Yaleje hōi
Definition
Excuse me; please step aside or move out of the way.
colloquialdaily actionspeople
How it's used
This phrase is a direct and often blunt way to ask someone to clear a path. While it can be used politely with a soft tone or by adding a question particle, it is frequently perceived as impatient or rude if shouted in a crowded space. It functions as a command to vacate a specific spot rather than a gentle request for space.
Examples
Could you please move aside a little bit?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a polite way to say excuse me in all situations. Use 唔該 when you want to be polite, as 借開 carries a strong sense of annoyance or urgency that can easily offend strangers.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
