buk1卜
Jyutpingbuk1
Yalebūk
Definition
To divine, foretell, or predict the future using supernatural or occult means.
colloquialother
How it's used
Commonly used in contexts involving traditional temples or folk practices where one seeks guidance from deities. It often implies a simple or quick act of divination rather than a formal, complex ritual. The character is also frequently used in the compound 卜卦 to describe the specific act of casting lots or interpreting signs.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the English loanword 卜, which is used in Cantonese to represent the sound of a popping or thumping noise, or as a slang term for a specific type of sound effect.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
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.
