baan1班
Jyutpingbaan1
Yalebāan
Definition
Classifier for a group of people, such as a class, team, or crowd.
colloquialpeople
How it's used
Unlike the standard classifier 個, 班 implies a collective or a group that shares a common identity or purpose. It is frequently used to describe groups of people in a slightly informal or sometimes dismissive tone, depending on the context.
Examples
I went to karaoke with my classmates.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often use 班 for any group of people, but it is specifically for people. You cannot use it for inanimate objects or animals, even if they are in a group.
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.
