對唔住
deoi3 m4 zyu6
對唔住 (deoi3 m4 zyu6) is the Cantonese way to say "i am sorry".
對唔住 is an expression used to apologize for a mistake or a wrongdoing. it is specifically used when you have actually wronged someone.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 對唔住 literally means "cannot face [you]", implying the speaker feels too guilty to look the other person in the eye.
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between the weight of different apologies: use 對唔住 for serious apologies or when you have actually wronged someone, whereas 唔好意思 is used for minor inconveniences or to say "excuse me".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Hong Kong, the term 唔該 is widely used to apologize for bothering someone or asking for a favor and can also mean "please."
How do you pronounce it?
deoi3 m4 zyu6
Did you know?
- If you use 對唔住 for a minor mistake like bumping into someone, you might actually sound sarcastic or mockingly dramatic to a native speaker.
- The concept of 'facing' someone in this apology relates to the ancient Chinese social virtue of 'face', where losing face is a significant social consequence.
- If you are apologizing to a superior or an elder, the weight of 對唔住 is often accompanied by a slight bow to physically demonstrate that you are 'lowering' yourself.
Examples in context
- 不好意思，我遲到了。I am sorry, I am late.
- 對唔住，我冇講清楚。Sorry, I didn't explain clearly.
- 唔好意思，我無意中刪除咗你的訊息。Sorry, I accidentally deleted your message.
- 對唔住，我唔小心整爛咗佢。deoi2 m4 zyu6, ngo5 m4 siu1 sam1 zing2 lan6 zo2 keoi5.I am sorry, I accidentally broke it.
- 真係對唔住，我唔應該咁樣做。zan1 hai6 deoi2 m4 zyu6, ngo5 m4 jing1 goi1 gam2 joeng2 zou6.I am truly sorry, I shouldn't have done that.
Example conversation
Ka Yan accidentally steps on Zi Kin's foot.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan對唔住，子健！deoi3 m4 zyu6, zi2 gin6!I am sorry, Zi Kin!
- 子健 Tsz Kin冇問題，唔緊要。mou5 man6 tai4, m4 gan2 jiu3.No problem, it doesn't matter.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan你隻腳痛唔痛？nei5 zek3 gok3 tung3 m4 tung3?Does your foot hurt?
- 子健 Tsz Kin唔痛，唔使擔心。m4 tung3, m4 sai2 daan1 sam1.It doesn't hurt, don't worry.
