zyut6 gaau1絕交绝交
Jyutpingzyut6 gaau1
Yalejyuht gāau
Definition
To sever relations; to break off a friendship or association.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
This term carries a heavy, serious weight and is typically reserved for the final, formal termination of a close relationship. It implies a deliberate, conscious decision to cut all ties rather than just drifting apart. Using it in casual arguments can sound overly dramatic or aggressive.
Examples
He lies all the time, so I have decided to break off our friendship.
Why on earth do you two need to stop being friends?
Related words
Common phrases
to break off relations with someone
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 斷交, which is almost exclusively used for diplomatic relations between countries or organizations. While 絕交 can apply to people, using 斷交 for a personal friend sounds unnatural and overly formal.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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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.
