zeoi1 gau3追究
Jyutpingzeoi1 gau3
Yalejēui gau
Definition
To investigate and determine who is responsible for a mistake or negative event, and hold them accountable.
neutralworkother
How it's used
Carries a formal and serious tone, often used in professional, legal, or disciplinary contexts. It implies an active investigation or a demand for accountability rather than just simple blame. It is frequently paired with words like 責任 to emphasize the formal nature of the inquiry.
Examples
This matter is so serious, the company will definitely pursue it to the end.
Related words
Common phrases
to hold someone accountable
to pursue the matter to the end
Common mistake
Learners sometimes use it interchangeably with blame, but it specifically implies a process of investigation or formal follow-up. It is not used for casual situations like blaming a friend for being late.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
