ziu1 fu1 m4 dou3招呼唔到

Jyutpingziu1 fu1 m4 dou3

Yalejīu fū m̀h dou

語句

Definition

An expression used by a host to apologize for any perceived lack of hospitality or attention.

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How it's used

Use this phrase as a humble way to acknowledge that you are not being a perfect host, often when you are busy or have limited resources. It functions as a social lubricant to lower expectations and show respect to your guests. It is standard to follow this expression with a polite request for understanding, such as 多多包涵.

Examples

gam1今jat6日bei2比gaau3較mong4忙，ziu1招fu1呼m4唔dou3到aa4呀。

I am quite busy today, please forgive my lack of hospitality.

nei5你dei6哋maan6慢maan2慢sik6食，ziu1招fu1呼m4唔dou3到laa3喇。

Please enjoy your meal, I am sorry I cannot attend to you properly.

Common phrases

ziu1招fu1呼m4唔dou3到，do1多do1多baau1包haam4涵

Please excuse my lack of hospitality.

Common mistake

Do not take this phrase literally as a statement of failure. It is a conventionalized social ritual rather than an admission of actual neglect, so it is perfectly acceptable to say even when you have provided a generous meal.