baai2 pou1 si2擺甫士摆甫士
Jyutpingbaai2 pou1 si2
Yalebáai pōu sí
Definition
To strike a pose, usually for photos, drawings, or paintings.
colloquialdaily actionspeople
How it's used
The term is a direct loan from the English word pose, reflecting the common practice of incorporating English loanwords into Cantonese. It is almost exclusively used in the context of photography or modeling, carrying a slightly playful or informal tone. When someone is being overly dramatic or pretentious in their behavior, you might also hear it used metaphorically to describe their affected attitude.
Examples
He always likes to pose in the street.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe physical positioning in non-artistic contexts, such as sitting or standing in a specific way for comfort, as it specifically implies a deliberate performance for an audience or camera.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
