baak6白
Jyutpingbaak6
Yalebaahk
Definition
White; the color of fresh milk or snow.
Example
neutralcoloursdescriptions
How it's used
Beyond describing the literal color, this character is frequently used to imply that something is done for free or without any return, such as 白做 or 白行. It also carries a sense of emptiness or lack of result, which is distinct from its use as a simple visual descriptor. When used to describe a person's complexion, it often implies a desirable, fair skin tone.
Examples
Do you like white or black?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe things that are clear or transparent, as those are better described by words like 透明. Beginners sometimes mistakenly use this to mean clean, but the correct word for clean is 乾淨.
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.
