zi2 gaau3指教
Jyutpingzi2 gaau3
Yalejí gaau
Definition
To give advice, comments, or guidance.
neutralworkcommunication
How it's used
Commonly used as a polite, formal expression of humility when meeting someone new or starting a collaboration. It functions as a way to show respect by inviting the other person to share their expertise or point out mistakes. While it sounds formal, it is frequently used in professional settings to soften the tone when asking for feedback.
Examples
If there is anything I did poorly, please give me your advice.
You are the expert in this area, do you have any further advice?
Related words
Common phrases
Please give me your advice
Do you have any advice
Common mistake
Avoid using this with close friends or family as it sounds overly stiff and distant. It is strictly for professional or formal social interactions where you want to maintain a polite distance.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
