baa2 paau3把炮
Jyutpingbaa2 paau3
Yalebá paau
Definition
Capable, influential, and powerful; highly competent.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Often used with a slightly sarcastic or challenging tone when questioning someone's actual ability. While it implies being impressive or resourceful, it frequently appears in contexts where the speaker is unimpressed by someone's arrogance or boastful behavior.
Examples
He is so young yet became a manager, he is really capable.
Related words
Common phrases
very capable or influential
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with standard adjectives for skill like 勁 or 叻, as 把炮 carries a stronger connotation of social influence or being a big shot rather than just being good at a specific task.
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.
